Development of nano‐enhanced phase change materials using manganese dioxide nanoparticles obtained through green synthesis

Abstract

The current paper summarizes the development of nano‐enhanced phase change materials (NPCMs) using capric acid (CA) and manganese dioxide (α‐MnO2) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were obtained by the green synthesis technique using the leaves of Ficus retusa plant. The obtained nanoparticles were used in 1%, 2%, and 3% weight fractions in the nano‐formulations. The field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to confirm the morphological structure and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used for the elemental analysis of the synthesized nanoparticles. The crystallographic studies were done using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy results showed that the insertion of nanoparticles did not disturb the chemical configuration of CA. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the developed nanocomposites had excellent thermal energy storage capability that lay within the range of 145–164 kJ/kg. Five hundred extended thermal cycles were carried out which showed that the developed PCM had excellent thermal reliability and can be useful for a year‐long application. The variations reported with 1% nano‐formulation was −1.43% to +0.53%, −0.03% to +1.52%, and −6.67% to 9.94% with respect to onset, peak melting temperature, and latent heat of fusion. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that developed PCMs were stable within the working temperature range. The melting/solidification curve showed faster heat storage and release rates owing to the increased thermal conductivity. These developed PCMs are useful for photovoltaic/thermal and building applications.

Experimental Investigation and Artificial Neural Network-Based Prediction of Thermal Conductivity of Metal Oxide-Enhanced Organic Phase-Change Materials

“…As noted in prior research studies, interactions between the nanoparticles and the PCM at the nanoscale influence thermodynamic properties, including intermolecular forces, resulting in alterations in the energy needed for phase transition [48,49].…”

Comparative Investigation of Thermal Properties Improvement of Nano-Enhanced Organic Phase Change Materials

“…This critical survey provides information on energy harvesting and conversion using PCMs enhanced with nanostructures. Anand et al [12] prepared a capric acid nano-enhanced (NE) PCM using manganese dioxide nanoparticles at different concentrations and reported that the LH was in the 145-164 kJkg −1 range. Metallic nanoparticle nano-inclusions are beneficial since they have less of an impact on the PCM's ability to store energy.…”

Green synthesis and characterization of CdO nanoparticles from Crocus sativus: A promising material for hydrogen gas storage

“…Green synthesis, a simpler alternative to traditional methods, aims to reduce harsh processing conditions. This approach involves the use of bacteria, fungi, and human cells as viable systems for green synthesis 1‐6 . Metal oxides are highly significant nanomaterials with versatile applications in various fields such as environment, health, and industry.…”

“…This approach involves the use of bacteria, fungi, and human cells as viable systems for green synthesis. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Metal oxides are highly significant nanomaterials with versatile applications in various fields such as environment, health, and industry. Cadmium oxide, in particular, has been extensively studied and utilized.…”