Improved thermal properties of phase change composites reinforced by Cu nanoparticles modified anisotropic carbon rolls

Abstract

The scalability of phase change materials (PCMs) for industrial applications is impeded by issues such as leakage during phase transition, suboptimal thermal conductivity, and insufficient photothermal absorption. This research introduces advanced phase change composites (PCCs) reinforced by Cu nanoparticle-enriched porous carbon rolls. These rolls are derived from cotton cloth sheets and are serviced as a scaffold to embed Cu nanoparticles, substantially enhancing interlayer thermal transport. The PCCs are synthesized through a vacuum impregnation process, utilizing paraffin wax as the PCM, yielding a composite with augmented thermal conductivity and improved structural integrity. This innovation elevates anisotropic thermal conductivity values, achieving axial and radial conductivities of 3.4 W/(m·K) and 2 W/(m·K), respectively. The PCCs exhibit advanced solar-thermal-electric energy conversion performance, positioning them as impactful materials for applications in solar energy collection, thermal energy storage, and thermal management.