Facile synthesis of PEG based shape-stabilized phase change materials and their photo-thermal energy conversion

• Shape-stabilized phase change materials of PEG/GO were successfully synthesized with the assistance of microwave.
• 4% GO can protect the composites from leakage during phase change process.
• The PEG/GO composites had a heat storage capacity of 174.5 J/g, which was 95.6% of pure PEG.
• During the crystallization process, a re-absorption of energy would slightly rise the composite's temperature.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) based shape-stabilized phase change materials (PCMs) were successfully synthesized by a facile and effective physical blending method with the assistance of microwave. Graphene oxide (GO), as a supporting material, was added in PEG matrix to improve the thermal properties of PCMs and keep their stabilized shape during the phase change process. With the assistance of microwave, the interlayer spacing of GO sheets was expanded and the entire blending process was time saving. A small content (about 4 wt%) of GO could make the composite absorb energy efficiently without leakage during their phase change because of the hydrogen bonding and capillary force between the GO layers and PEG molecular chain. The DSC results showed that the composites had a heat storage capacity of 174.5 J/g, which was 95.6% of the phase change enthalpy of pure PEG. The photo-thermal energy conversion of the composites was explored.

A new kind of very simple but effective physical blending method was used to prepare the PEG based composite PCMs with high photo-thermal energy conversion properties.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide