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A Multidirectionally Thermoconductive Phase Change Material Enables High and Durable Electricity via Real-Environment
Dingyao Liu1, Chuxin Lei1, Kai Wu1,2
1College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China.
ACS Nano
|November 9, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel biomimetic composite for solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs). This enhanced material significantly boosts solar-to-electric conversion efficiency and power density for clean energy harvesting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) offer clean energy harvesting but are limited by phase-change material (PCM) thermal management.
- Current STEGs show low photothermal conversion (<15 W/m²) due to poor thermal conductivity and heat transfer in PCMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced PCM with superior thermal management for enhanced STEG performance.
- To improve the photothermal conversion efficiency and power output of solar thermoelectric generators.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a biomimetic phase-change composite using a radial ice-template assembly and infiltration strategy.
- Incorporation of a multidirectionally aligned boron nitride network within polyethylene glycol.
- Integration of the composite into a STEG designed for maximum solar beam collection.
Main Results:
- The developed composite exhibits highly multidirectional thermal conductivity and uniform heat distribution.
- Achieved a photothermal energy conversion efficiency of up to 85.1%.
- Demonstrated a high peak power density of 40.28 W/m² in the designed STEG.
Conclusions:
- The biomimetic PCM composite significantly overcomes the thermal limitations of conventional PCMs in STEGs.
- This advancement enables durable and efficient solar-to-thermal-to-electric energy conversion in real-world applications.
- The study presents a promising pathway for high-performance solar energy harvesting technologies.
Keywords:
concentrated solar beamoutput power densityphase-change materialradially oriented networksolar thermoelectric generatorMore Related Videos
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