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Shell-Driven Localized Oxide Nanoparticles Determine the Thermal Stability of Microencapsulated Phase Change
Melbert Jeem1, Ryosuke Ishida2, Minako Kondo1
1Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 16, 2024
Summary
This study developed robust microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) using Sn@α-Al2O3 for enhanced thermal energy storage. The novel technique significantly reduces supercooling and improves cycle stability for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Standard encapsulation methods face limitations with specific phase change materials (PCMs).
- Immiscible pairings, like α-Al2O3 nanoparticles with Sn microparticles, pose challenges for microencapsulated PCMs (MEPCMs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a large-volume production method for Sn@α-Al2O3 MEPCMs.
- To enhance the thermal durability and cycling stability of MEPCMs.
- To investigate the mechanism behind supercooling reduction in the synthesized MEPCMs.
Main Methods:
- High-speed impact blending (HIB) dry synthesis technique was utilized for Sn@α-Al2O3 MEPCM production.
- MEPCMs were subjected to extensive melting-solidification cycling tests (100 and 1000 cycles).
- Structural and interface analysis was performed to understand the role of nanoscale imperfections.
Main Results:
- The Sn@α-Al2O3 MEPCMs demonstrated resilience through 100 melting-solidification cycles.
- Incorporation of glass frit enhanced thermal durability to 1000 cycles.
- Significant reduction in supercooling was observed, attributed to SnO/SnO2 nanoparticle formation within the α-Al2O3 lattice.
- The α-Al2O3 shell remained intact even under ultrafast thermal fluctuations.
Conclusions:
- The HIB technique is effective for large-scale MEPCM production.
- The developed MEPCMs exhibit excellent thermal stability and cycle life.
- Nanoscale interface dynamics and crystal lattice imperfections are key to suppressing supercooling and enhancing nucleation rates for energy storage.
