Preparation, characterization and thermophysical properties investigation of A70/polyaniline nanocomposite phase change material for medium temperature solar applications

Abstract

Abstract The ever-present demand for energy from various application in industrial and domestic processes has led to the consumption of fossil fuel at a rapid rate with adverse effect due to global warming. This study focuses on the thermal energy storage aspect intended for medium temperature applications. A novel composite A70 and PANI was prepared and characterized. The study investigates the composites thermophysical and optical properties. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Transient Hot Bridge measured thermal storage capacity and thermal conductivity of the composite, respectively. The heat storage capacity of the composite remained stable within 4% whereas a highest rise of 11.96% in thermal conductivity was measured. The composites thermal, chemical, and physical stability were analysed from Thermogravimetric Analyser, Fourier Infrared Transform, and Scanning Electron Microscope, respectively. The composites were thermally stable up to a temperature of 250 °C. No chemical reaction occurred between the nanomaterial and base PCM matrix. The microscopic visuals did not show any considerable change in the microscopic structure of the material. In the case of optical properties, the composites showed significant reduction in transmittance of solar spectrum with respect to pure A70. The maximum decrement in transmission was around ~89% compared to A70. As the composite prepared were thermally stable till 250 °C, hence may be utilized for solar thermal and low concentrated photovoltaic application but not limited to these.