Enhanced thermal performance of form-stable phase change materials with organic and inorganic supporting nanofillers

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) are inexpensive, safe, and do not segregate. However, they exhibit a low thermal conductivity. Several papers have reported the synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid PCMs by adding inorganic fillers to increase the thermal conductivity. However, large amounts of fillers are needed to support the shape for the encapsulation of PCMs. Herein, we propose a facile synthesis strategy that yields composite PCMs with enhanced thermal performance. Initially, 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) organogel was added as an organic filler to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) PCMs for maintaining the form and prevent leakage. Subsequently, a small amount of an inorganic filler, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), was added to these organic PCMs. Consequently, the thermal conductivity and shape stabilization of the PEG/GNPs/DBS PCMs were significantly improved. These prepared composite PCMs, with excellent shape stabilization, appropriate latent heat, and ideal thermal conductivity, are potential as fillers in solar-thermal systems and energy-efficient buildings.