MXene Phase Change Composite for Leak-Free Photothermal Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organic solid-liquid phase change materials (OSLPCM) face issues such as low thermal conductivity, leakage, and lack of energy conversion ability, limiting their effectiveness in thermal energy storage and utilization.
Innovation Solution
A photothermal energy conversion and thermal energy storage phase change composite material is developed by combining MXenes nanosheets with organic phase change materials, forming a layered structure that enhances thermal stability and energy storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If organic solid-liquid phase change material is used for thermal energy storage, then thermal energy storage capability is improved, but thermal conductivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining MXenes nanosheets with organic phase change materials. The MXenes component provides high thermal conductivity through its metallic conductivity and delafossite structure, while the organic phase change material provides latent heat storage capability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces functional additives (MXenes nanosheets, graphite oxide, carbon nanotubes) at specific locations and concentrations within the phase change material matrix. These additives are distributed to create localized high thermal conductivity pathways while maintaining the overall phase change energy storage capacity of the organic material.
2Quantity of substance
If organic solid-liquid phase change material is used for thermal energy storage, then thermal energy storage capability is improved, but leakage occurs during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs MXenes nanosheets as a two-dimensional confinement structure that physically restricts the organic phase change material. The nanosheet layers act as a matrix framework that contains the phase change material, preventing leakage while allowing thermal energy storage function to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surface-modified agents (silane coupling agents, surfactants) as intermediaries between the MXenes nanosheets and organic phase change material. These modifiers enhance interfacial adhesion and create a stable composite structure that prevents leakage during phase transitions.
3Quantity of substance
If organic solid-liquid phase change material is used for thermal energy storage, then thermal energy storage capability is improved, but energy conversion ability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional composite material where MXenes nanosheets provide not only thermal conductivity enhancement but also photothermal conversion capability. The organic phase change material provides energy storage, while the composite structure enables both thermal management and optical energy conversion functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines MXenes (with photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity properties) with organic phase change materials (with latent heat storage properties) to create a composite that integrates multiple energy-related functions: photothermal conversion, thermal conduction, and phase change energy storage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite material achieves high phase change enthalpy, excellent shape stability, and thermal stability, enabling efficient photothermal energy conversion and thermal storage, with phase change enthalpy up to about 150 J/g and maintaining solid form at elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, the MXenes nanosheets have strong absorption in the visible region and near infrared region.
Implementation Method 2
Organic solid-liquid phase change material (OSLPCM), as a latent heat storage material, can be used to realize the storage and release of a large amount of energy within a very small range of temperature change.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material is applicable for photothermal energy conversion and thermal energy storage form-stable phase change. The composite material includes a supporting material and an organic phase-change material. The mass ratio of the supporting material to the organic phase change material is 3:7 to 1:9. The supporting material is lamellar, and the organic phase change material is evenly filled between supporting material layers to form a layered stacked structure. The supporting material is a nanosheet of Ti2C, Ti3C2, Ti3CN, V2C, Nb2C, TiNBC, Nb4C3, TA4C3, (Ti0.5Nb0.5)2C, or (V0.5Cr0.5)3C2. The organic phase-change material is paraffin, fatty acid, fatty acid ester or alcohol compound.