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Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts
Published on: August 7, 2018
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Metal-Organic Network-Based Composite Phase Change Materials with High Thermal and Photothermal Conversion
Dian Wei1,2, Yi Wang1, Shuoshuo Yu1
1College of Petrochemical Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2025
Summary
This study developed a shape-stabilized composite phase change material (PCM) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a novel metal-organic network (CFK). The composite PCM effectively reduces leakage and enhances thermal conductivity for improved thermal management applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) are crucial for thermal management but suffer from leakage and low thermal conductivity.
- Developing shape-stabilized PCMs is essential to overcome these limitations and enable wider applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a novel shape-stabilized composite PCM with enhanced thermal properties and reduced leakage.
- To investigate the potential of this composite PCM for visible light-driven thermal energy conversion.
Main Methods:
- A one-pot in situ process was employed to synthesize a composite PCM by combining polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a metal-organic network (CFK).
- CFK was synthesized from carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs), FeCl3, and Kevlar nanofibers (KNFs).
- The composite PCM's morphology, composition, and thermophysical properties (leakage rate, thermal conductivity, latent heat, light absorption, photothermal conversion efficiency, cycling stability) were systematically evaluated.
Main Results:
- The composite PCM with 89.9 wt% PEG exhibited a significantly reduced leakage rate of 0.76%.
- Thermal conductivity was enhanced by 170.5% compared to pure PEG.
- High latent heat values of 147.9 J·g⁻¹ (fusion) and 143.7 J·g⁻¹ (crystallization) were recorded.
- The composite PCM demonstrated excellent light absorption, a photothermal conversion efficiency of 83.4%, and superior cycling stability.
Conclusions:
- The developed composite PCM effectively addresses leakage issues while maintaining excellent thermal energy storage and release capabilities.
- The material shows great promise for applications in visible light-driven thermal energy conversion, offering a new strategy for high-performance PCMs.
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