A shape-stable capric acid @ porous carbon phase change composite with multifunctional response

Abstract

The development of a phase-change composite with a multifunctional response suitable for buildings is critical for minimizing building energy consumption and improving living comfort. In this study, porous carbon materials with high graphitization and excellent three-dimensional pore structures were synthesized using a simple method. The as-synthesized porous carbon and commercial capric acid with a phase transition temperature of 31 °C were combined by vacuum impregnation to form a phase-change composite with excellent shape stability and outstanding thermal properties. The latent heat of fusion in the first cycle of the phase-change composite was 127.1 J/g, and the enthalpy retention rate was as high as 79.24 % after 200 cycles. Meanwhile, the phase-change composite exhibits a photothermal and electrothermal multifunctional response. The photothermal conversion efficiencies of the composites were 55.79 % and 63.56 % under light intensities of 200 and 300 mW cm2, respectively. Importantly, the phase-change composite with high electrical conductivity maintained an excellent electrothermal conversion performance when the applied voltage was 1.5 V at room temperature. Overall, the synthesized phase-change composite integrated high latent heat value, good cycling stability, and excellent electrical conductivity, demonstrating promising application prospects in the construction sector for increasing energy conservation and emission reduction.