Graphene–nickel/n-carboxylic acids composites as form-stable phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Abstract

Superoleophilic graphene–nickel foam (PDMS–G–NF), which was prepared by coating graphene nanosheets onto nickel foam followed by surface modification with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), was used as porous supporting material to prepare form-stable phase change materials (PCMs) composites. Owing to the strong hydrophobic and superhydrophilic wettability of PDMS–G–NF, PCMs can be absorbed spontaneously into PDMS–G–NF and can stay stable without leakage even over their melting points. The incorporation of PCMs into PDMS–G–NF does not change the crystal structure but lowers the crystallinity size of PCMs in the composites, which is confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The latent heat of PDMS–G–NF/PCM composites was measured in the range of 42.3–123.41kJkg−1. Taking advantages of the simple process and good stability the PDMS–G–NF should be ideal candidates as an alternative to traditional PCMs, which may have great potentials for renewable energy saving applications.