Preparation and properties of graphene/PCM composites based on Pickering emulsion method

doi:10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20250928.001

Abstract

Abstract: As a typical phase change material (PCM) for energy storage, paraffin (PA) was found to possess shortcomings such as easy leakage and poor thermal conductivity, which had limited its large-scale market application. To address this issue, solidified paraffin/graphene (PaGr) composites were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method, in which PA served as the matrix phase change material and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) acted as the confining carrier. During the hydrothermal process, the Pickering emulsion, configured with GO as a stabilizer, facilitated the effective recombination of paraffin and graphene. XPS and Raman spectroscopy were employed to confirm the successful conversion of GO into RGO during the hydrothermal reduction process. The microstructure, thermophysical properties, and structural stability of the PaGr composite PCM were characterized through optical microscopy, DSC, and thermal cycling. The experimental results show that PaGr composites can effectively improve the shape instability and high thermal resistance caused by PA liquid leakage. Compared with pure PA, its thermal conductivity and structural stability are improved, which indicates that PaGr composites have broad application prospects in the field of PCM.

Key words: phase change materials, paraffin, graphene oxide, energy storage technology, Pickering emulsion, thermal conductivity, composites

CLC Number:

TB332

ZHUO Qing, WANG Shiyi, ZHAO Wei, LI Mingpu, WANG Yuqi, LI Yuanyuan, LI Yingru. Preparation and properties of graphene/PCM composites based on Pickering emulsion method[J]. COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, 2025, 0(9): 1-7.

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