Preparation of beeswax/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as novel shape-stable nanocomposite phase-change material for thermal energy storage

Abstract

Abstract Development of phase-change material (PCM) as thermal energy storage for building envelopes is promising for energy utilization. However, there are two major drawbacks of PCM application, which are low thermal conductivity and high-volume reduction due to phase-change transition. One solution is to develop a shape-stabilized phase-change material (SSPCM) as a composite that is able to prevent leakage during the transition from solid to liquid. Therefore, the objective of this study is to prepare beeswax/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as form-stable nanocomposite phase-change material for thermal energy storage, based on previously unattempted methods. Beeswax was being used as PCM because of its high latent heat and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as supporting material with high thermal conductivity. There are three types of MWCNTs applied in this research: pristine MWCNTs, ball-milled MWCNTs and acid-treated MWCNTs. Beeswax/CNT composite samples were prepared with ratios of 5 and 20 wt%. Composite samples were tested from structure modification and thermal performance, including latent heat, sensible heat, melting point, solidifying point, thermal conductivity, and thermal-cycle testing for up to 300 cycles. Experimental results showed that thermal conductivity of novel shape-stable nanocomposite PCM increased by a factor of 2 and there was no significant phase transition in the melting or solidifying temperature. The high heat storage capability and thermal conductivity of nanocomposite PCM enable it to be a potential material for thermal energy storage in practical applications.