Fabrication of polymeric solar thermal fuel composite for solar energy storage applications. Issue 11 (24th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Telgerafchi, Armaghan Ehsani; Mehranpour, Milad; Nazockdast, Hossein
• Is Part Of: Polymer engineering & science. Volume 61:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 2792
• Page End: 2798
• Publication Date: 2021-08-24
• Subjects: molecular modeling -- morphology -- rheology -- self‐assembly -- templates; Polymer engineering -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.25790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3888

Abstract

Abstract: Solar energy storage and conversion have remained significant global challenges. This article discusses how to fabricate a polymeric solar thermal fuel (P‐STF) composite with unique thermal storage abilities. In this regard, we aim at developing a novel method for dispersing multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with azobenzene molecules (modified azobenzene molecules) in ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA). The modification of azobenzene (functionalization) enhances the energy storage density of AZO molecules, and the addition of fillers (MWCNT) leads to the production of the P‐STF composite with the potential to store and convert solar energy to thermal energy. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test verifies the P‐STF composite's capacity to absorb solar energy and release it as heat. Thus, the uncharged nanocomposites required heat energy at the melting point temperature of EVA (Enthalpy 18.392 J/g). However, the EVA‐AZO‐MWCNT 10% and EVA‐AZO‐MWCNT 5% nanocomposites released heat energy rather than requiring it to melt with enthalpy −37.6526 and −1.2609 J/g, respectively, which indicates the heat release in the P‐STF composite. Moreover, oscillatory shear rheological measurement (RMS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) demonstrate that modified azobenzene (MWCNT‐AZO) is well dispersed in the polymer matrix (EVA). Abstract : Solar energy storage and conversion are essential issues in today's world. In this paper, the fabrication of solid‐state polymer films that can store solar energy in daytime and release this energy as heat at night is presented. This polymeric solar thermal fuel (P‐STF) film takes advantage of efficient transfer of heat of carbon nanotube in polymers, the energy storage and structural change properties of the Azobenzene molecule to develop new thermal energy storage materials.