For the first time, a one-step (self-assembly)
method is introduced
to prepare a phase change material (PCM) composite consisting of palmitic
acid (PA) and minimal amount (0.6%) of oleylamine-functionalized reduced
graphene oxide (OA-rGO) as a supporting material. Graphene oxide was
reduced and functionalized with long chain alkylamine, oleylamine
(OA), to adsorb palmitic acid (PA) and was simultaneously self-assembled
into a three-dimensional structure. This technique eliminates common
freeze-drying and impregnation steps since the phase change material
is adsorbed in situ, and there was clearly no shrinkage
during the drying process. In addition, the connected graphene network
provides nuclei for the heterogeneous nucleation and crystallization
of PA with an enhanced heat transfer to and from the PCM and retains
excellent shape-stable property which prevents the leakage of molten
PA. The obtained composites exhibit a large phase change enthalpy
(99.6%), enhanced thermal conductivity (150%), excellent cycling performance,
and substantial sunlight adsorption.
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