Thermal energy storage on hybrid TiO2/GO modified paraffin microcapsules

Thermal energy storage widely utilizes phase change materials (PCMs) due to their ability to store and release energy in the form of latent heat. This approach provides higher energy density and operates efficiently with minimal temperature differences between storage and release. This study successfully fabricated novel paraffinbased microencapsulated PCMs (MEPCMs) using in-situ polymerization, incorporating varying concentrations of hybrid titanium dioxide/graphene oxide (TiO2/GO) nanofillers. The TiO2/GO nanofillers form an intermediary layer at the core-shell interface, serving as a continuous thermal conduction channel. This design significantly enhances thermal properties by reducing internal thermal resistance and improving structural integrity. The spherically shaped modified MEPCMs exhibited exceptional performance, including a high encapsulation ratio (Er) of 90.36 % and a melting enthalpy (Delta Hm) of 182.12 J/g. The introduction of the TiO2/GO interface layer also resulted in a notable improvement in thermal conductivity, reaching 0.63 W/m & sdot;K, and ensured 97.30 % leakage prevention during phase transitions. Additionally, the thermal degradation analysis revealed a two-stage profile, confirming the material's thermal stability. The rapid heat cycle completion time of 2057 s further demonstrated the MEPCMs' potential for efficient thermal management in medium to high temperature applications. The results indicate that the incorporation of hybrid TiO2/GO nanofillers into MEPCMs significantly influences their thermo-chemical properties. They offer a promising way to make advanced thermal energy storage systems that work better and last longer.