Shape-stabilised n-octadecane/activated carbon nanocomposite phase change material for thermal energy storage

A shape-stabilised n-octadecane/activated carbon nanocomposite was successfully prepared using a one-step impregnation method. Activated carbon (AC) was used as an inorganic framework material, and n-octadecane was used as a phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage. The mass loading percentage of n-octadecane in the PCM nanocomposites which was determined using DSC is 42.5 wt.%, due to the excellent adsorption ability of AC. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images and nitrogen adsorption-desorption results for the nanocomposites PCM indicate that n-octadecane was uniformly adsorbed into the pores of AC. The porous networks of the AC prevented leakage of the melted n-octadecane during the phase change processes. The performance of the n-octadecane/AC nanocomposites as a thermal energy storage material for building applications was examined by incorporation of the nanocomposite with gypsum to function as a panel board. The results indicate that the incorporation of the n-octadecane/AC nanocomposites in gypsum board lowered the indoor temperature fluctuation of the buildings, which could reduce energy consumption. (C) 2015 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.