Enhanced thermal characteristics of paraffin with low mass fraction impregnation of graphene oxide

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a technically better and economically affordable phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage (TES) applications. In this context, the influence of low mass fraction impregnation of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONP) in the thermal properties of paraffin has been investigated. GONP has been synthesized by modifying Hummer’s method. The morphological, structural and thermal properties of prepared composite PCM have been analysed by different characterization techniques like XRD, FTIR, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and laser flash analyzer (LFA). The average latent heat storage capacity of the prepared paraffin/GONP composite is obtained as ~161.34 J g⁻¹, which shows a 27.2% loss in latent heat compared to pure paraffin (225.50 J g⁻¹). Also, only ~3% loss in latent heat has been noticed after 250 thermal cycles, suggesting excellent thermal durability. On the other hand, LFA results showed a 45% increment in thermal conductivity of the paraffin/GONP composite compared to pure paraffin (0.22 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹). Moreover, the lower mass fraction paraffin/GONP composite showed equivalent latent heat enthalpy and acceptable enhanced thermal conductivity compared to higher mass fraction impregnation. Therefore, the paraffin/GONP composite PCM could be technically and economically more favourable for TES application.