Enhanced solar-thermal energy storage performance of NF/Ni-Cu@rGO/ PEG composite phase change materials with 3D conductive network

Shape-stabilized composite phase change materials (CPCMs) with high photothermal conversion efficiency, high thermal storage capacity, and excellent thermal conductivity hold immense potential for diverse applications and market growth. This study employed a one -step substitution reaction followed by a thermal reduction technique to successfully affix Ni and Cu nanoparticles onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets, which were subsequently integrated into a nickel foam (NF) matrix. This process resulted in the fabrication of an NF/Ni-Cu@rGO porous carrier, facilitating the adsorption of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the formation of CPCMs. Introducing Ni-Cu@rGO into the NF matrix enhanced the carrier framework, enabling improved PEG loading and leakage prevention. The hybridization of Ni-Cu@rGO effectively bolstered the interaction between the carrier framework and the phase change material (PCM), resulting in enhanced phase change performance. CPCMs prepared from the NF/Ni-Cu@rGO framework exhibited superior shape stability, higher thermal storage density, and enhanced recyclability than pure PCMs. Optimized CPCMs displayed melting and crystallization enthalpies of 121.13 J & sdot; g - 1 and 113.44 J & sdot; g - 1 , respectively. The thermal conductivity of NF/Ni-Cu@rGO/PEG CPCMs significantly improved to 0.4780 W & sdot; m - 1 K -1 , representing a remarkable 315 % increase over that of PEG alone. Furthermore, the NF/ Ni-Cu@rGO/PEG composite demonstrated outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency, thermal cycling stability, and exceptional shape stability. These findings offer promising prospects for its application across various fields.