Graphene‐Enhanced Multiphase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage: Fabrication and Thermophysical Assessment

ABSTRACT

In comparison to commercially available phase change materials (PCMs), previous research has identified multiphase change materials (MCMs) as promising energy storage technologies for simultaneous cooling and heating applications in residences. Nevertheless, they exhibit limited thermal conductivity, which impacts their thermal response and limits their potential for extensive future application. To this end, graphene material was incorporated into microencapsulated heptadecane (MEHept) and microencapsulated octacosane (MEOct) before being fabricated into an enhanced composite MCM by in situ polymerization. Thermal analysis showed an analytical thermal conductivity enhancement by about 104%, accompanied by a 17% reduction in energy storage capacity. However, experimental thermal conductivity measurements are required to validate this value. The measurement results also displayed multiple phase transition temperatures of 10.24°C, 21.12°C, and 51.81°C, which were potentially attributed to the type of graphene and its agglomeration characteristics. Further investigation employing advanced characterization techniques is required to verify graphene dispersion state and to better understand the thermal behavior of the MCMs prior to their practical integration and long‐term monitoring in real‐world applications.