Micro/nano-encapsulated n-heptadecane with polystyrene shell for latent heat thermal energy storage

The aim of this study is to prepare, characterize and determine thermal energy storage properties of polystyrene(PS)/n-heptadecane micro/nano-capsules as a novel EPCM. The EPCM was prepared using emulsion polymerization method and characterized chemically by FTIR spectroscopy. The surface morphology and particle size of the capsules were investigated using PSD, POM and SEM techniques. By DSC analysis, the melting temperatures and latent heats of the prepared EPCM were measured as 21.48 °C and 136.89 J/g, respectively. The TG analysis results showed that the fabricated micro/nano-EPCM had good thermal durability. Thermal reliability, chemical stability, thermal conductivity and phase change reversibility properties of the prepared micro/nano-EPCM were also studied. All of the results revealed that the fabricated EPCM had promising LHTES potential especially for passive solar thermal regulation of textile, building and electronic materials.335