Shape-stabilized 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 pe...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Khadiran, Tumirah, Hussein, Mohd Zobir, Zainal, Zulkarnain, Rusli, Rafeadah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2015
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/46272/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/46272/1/Shape-stabilized%20n-octadecane%3B%20activated%20carbon%20nanocomposite%20phase%20change%20material%20for%20thermal%20energy%20storage.pdf
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Summary: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.