Multi-walled carbon nanotubes added to Na2CO3/MgO composites for thermal energy storage

• Published in: Particuology Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 56 - 60
• Main Authors: Ye, Feng, Ge, Zhiwei, Ding, Yulong, Yang, Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2014
• Subjects: Chemical compatibility; Composite; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; Na2CO3; Phase change materials; Thermal conductivity; Thermal energy storage; 复合相变材料; 多壁碳纳米管; 氧化镁; 热能储存; 碳纳米管复合材料; 碳酸钠; 镁复合材料; Phase change materials; Thermal conductivity; Thermal energy storage; Composite; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; Chemical compatibility
• ISSN: 1674-2001; 2210-4291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.partic.2013.05.001

Na2CO3/MgO composites with added multi-walled carbon nanotubes （MWCNTs） were prepared and tested as phase change materials （PCMs） for thermal energy storage. Na2CO3/MgO composite PCMs were prepared and their chemical compatibility and thermal stability were studied. MWCNTs introduced with Na2CO3/MgO composite PCMs were also investigated and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） characterization was used to demonstrate the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in Na2CO3/MgO composite PCMs. The composites with added MWCNTs still display good thermal stability with mass losses lower than 5%. Introducing MWCNTs into composite Na2CO3/MgO PCMs by material formation/calcination signifi.cantly enhances the thermal conductivity of the composite PCMs. The thermal conductivity of the composite PCMs was found to increase with an increase in the weight fraction of the added MWCNTs and an increase in the testing temperature. This study may present a promising way to prepare high temperature phase change materials with superior properties such as improved thermal stability.