Carbonate-salt-based composite materials for medium- and high-temperature thermal energy storage

- Salt based composite materials were investigated for medium and high temperature thermal energy storage.
- The composites consisted of LiNaCO3 (PCM), MgO (ceramic) and carbon (thermal conduction enhancer).
- Wettability of the PCM with the ceramic and that with the carbon explained the structural formation mechanisms.
- The use of ceramic material densifies the composite structure, whereas the use of carbon swells the structure.
- A balance between densification and swelling must be struck for obtaining good thermal and mechanical properties.