Form-stable phase change composites based on nanofibrillated cellulose/polydopamine hybrid aerogels with extremely high energy storage density and improved photothermal conversion efficiency

Abstract

The development of form-stable phase change materials (PCMs) with superior photothermal conversion efficiency and high phase change enthalpy is critical for the utilization of solar energy. In this work, nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)/polydopamine (PDA) hybrid aerogels (NPAs) were synthesized by cation-induced gelation of NFC/PDA suspension. Then, novel form-stable PCMs with superior energy storage density and improved photothermal conversion efficiency were successfully synthesized by impregnating n-octacosane into NPAs. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the composite PCMs exhibited extremely high phase transition enthalpy (>248 J g⁻¹) and excellent thermal reliability. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) showed that the composite PCMs exhibited excellent thermal stability. In photothermal experiments, PDA acted as a photon trap and effectively improved the photothermal conversion efficiency (up to 86.7%) of the composite PCMs. In conclusion, the synthesized composite PCMs displayed high phase change enthalpy and superior photothermal conversion efficiency, suggesting their promising characteristics for solar energy utilization applications.