Multiresponsive Shape-Adaptable Phase Change Materials with Cellulose Nanofiber/Graphene Nanoplatelet Hybrid-Coated Melamine Foam for Light/Electro-to-Thermal Energy Storage and Utilization

Abstract

Strong rigidity, low thermal conductivity, and short of multi-driven capabilities of form-stable phase change materials (FSPCMs) have limited their practical utilization. Herein, we report a shape-adaptable FSPCM with the coinstantaneous light/electro-driven shape memory properties and light/electro-to-thermal energy storage performance. The FSPCM is fabricated by incorporating the poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG) into the cellulose nanofiber/graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) hybrid-coated melamine foam (CG@MF). The CG@MF/PEG FSPCMs show a good encapsulation effect, enhanced thermal conductivity, and large melting enthalpy (178.9 J g–1). Due to the high elasticity of MF and the excellent photothermal conversion and electrical conductivity of the GNP network, the CG@MF/PEG FSPCMs exhibit a remarkable light/electro-driven shape memory effect by activating the phase change process of PEG. Meanwhile, the CG@MF/PEG FSPCMs can effectively convert light or electric energy into heat energy and reposit the converted energy during the phase change process. Furthermore, the CG@MF/PEG FSPCMs possess excellent multiresponsive self-adhesion properties. A light-sensitive, shape-adaptable, and thermal-insulating container is further explored. This study provides routes toward the development of multiresponsive shape-adaptable FSPCMs for energy storage applications.

Fabrication of Organic Shape-stabilized Phase Change Material and Its Energy Storage Applications

“…The present works already gets relatively high electron-to- (Reproduced with the permission from [158] and [159], Copyright 2021 ACS).…”

“…Wu and coworkers [159] employed cellulose nanofiber and graphene nanoplatelet to coat melamine foam which was used as skeleton to impregnate PEG (Fig. 17b).…”

Recent development of plant-derived nanocellulose in polymer nanocomposite foams and multifunctional applications: A mini-review

“…The formation of the thin film of CNFs on the surface of the porous silica foam has also been reported when the silica foam was dipped in a CNF suspension. This simple dip-coating approach has been adapted to coat porous materials with a mixed suspension of nanocellulose and other nanoparticles such as silver nanowires [99] and graphene nanoplatelets [102]. Vice versa, a hydrophilic nanocellulose porous material could be dipped in a hydrophobic polymer solution to yield a nanocomposite foam.…”

The design of phase change materials with carbon aerogel composites for multi-responsive thermal energy capture and storage

“…11 Besides, melamine foam was utilized as template for coating with graphene nanoplatelet or cellulose nanofiber/graphene nanoplatelet hybrid, in addition, these carbon aerogel derived from various melons are appropriate matrix for the solarthermal and electro-thermal conversion. [12][13][14] Alternatively, matrix formed from loading magnetic particles like Fe 3 O 4 onto graphene nanosheet can make the PCMs exhibit a very good solar-thermal and magnetic-thermal conversion capacity. 15 Although there are some reports on the design of multiresponsive PCMs, it is still a challenge for achieving PCMs system with integrated solar-thermal, electro-thermal and magnetic-thermal conversion ability simultaneously.…”