Cellulose nanofiber/melanin hybrid aerogel supported phase change materials with improved photothermal conversion efficiency and superior energy storage density

Abstract

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have been widely applied in thermal energy storage elds due to their good structural stability, high energy storage density, adjustable phase change temperature and nontoxic. However, the poor solar-thermal conversion performance and structure stability restrict the largescale application of organic PCMs. Herein,novel PCM composites (CMPCMs) with good structure stability, improved photothermal conversion e ciency, and superior energy storage density were successfully synthesized by impregnating poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) into cellulose nano bers/melanin hybrid aerogel. The three-dimensional (3D) aerogel framework had good shape stability and strong encapsulation ability, which inhibited the leakage of PEG and enhanced the shape stability of the synthesized PCM. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that CMPCMs exhibited relatively high melting enthalpies ranging from 168.3 to 175.9 J/g, and the introduction of melanin almost unchanged the energy storage density of the synthesized PCM composites. Simulated sunlight test revealed that the introduction of melanin signi cantly improved the photothermal conversion e ciency of CMPCMs (from 47.2 to 85.9%). The thermal cycling test and thermogravimetric analysis showed that CMPCMs possessed excellent thermal stability and good encapsulation ability. In conclusion, the synthesized CMPCMs showed great potential in the practical utilization and storage of solar energy.

A melanin-inspired robust aerogel for multifunctional water remediation

“…33 These unique features can provide abundant active sites for pollutant adsorption, efficient light harvesting, and sufficient water supply channels, thus facilitating steam escape and clean water production. However, to the best of our knowledge, the majority of aerogels related to melanin were fabricated by the composite way, 26,34,35 and almost no melanin-based aerogels have been documented. Therefore, it is highly anticipated to fully exploit the melanin-based aerogels to realize the functional integration of solar-driven steam generation for multicomponent wastewater remediation.…”

Fe3O4-Functionalized κ-Carrageenan/Melanin Hybrid Aerogel-Supported Form-Stable Phase-Change Composites with Excellent Solar/Magnetic–Thermal Conversion Efficiency and Enhanced Thermal Conductivity

“…Chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl 2 ·4H 2 O, AR) was obtained from Tianjin JingDongTianZheng Precision Chemical Reagent Factory. Ammonia solution (NH 3 , AR, 25–28%) was acquired commercially from Chengdu Kelong Reagent Co., Ltd. N -docosane (C 22 H 48 , 98%) was provided by Shanghai Macklin Biochemical Co., Ltd. Cuttlefish ink melanin was prepared according to the method in our previous literature . Deionized water was used throughout the experiment.…”

“…Wang et al fabricated form-stable phase-change composites with improved mechanical properties based on Ti 3 C 2 /pectin aerogels. Chen et al fabricated biomass-derived PCM composites with high latent heat density by impregnating polyethylene glycol into the cellulose nanofiber/melanin hybrid aerogel. The above research shows impregnating PCMs into aerogels, especially biomass-derived aerogels, as an effective and accessible approach to fabricate form-stable PCM composites with excellent form stability and high thermal storage density.…”

Nanocellulose-based composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage: status and challenges

“…Similarly, a CNF/melanin hybrid aerogel was prepared and used to stabilize PEG and improve the photothermal conversion efficiency and energy storage density. 208 The same preparation strategies, i.e. freeze drying of the CNF-based mixture suspension and follow-up impregnation of aerogels with the molten PCM, were used to obtain the form-stabilized composite PCMs.…”