Paraffin/graphene sponge composite as a shape-stabilized phase change material for thermal energy storage

Purpose: This paper aims to study the synergistic effect of graphene sponge on the thermal properties and shape stability of composite phase change material (PCM). Design/methodology/approach: Graphene oxide sponge is first prepared from an aqueous solution of graphene oxide by freeze-drying method. The oxidized graphene sponge is reduced by hydrazine hydrate. Finally, use vacuum impregnation method to introduce paraffin into graphene sponge to prepare composite PCM. Findings: Graphene sponge is used to improve the shape stability of paraffin wax and improves the thermal conductivity and latent heat of the composite PCM. The thermal conductivity increases by 200 per cent and the composite PCM has excellent reliability in 100 melt-freezing cycles. Research limitations/implications: A simple way for fabricating composite PCM with high thermal conductivity and latent heat which has the potential to be used as thermal storage materials without container encapsulation has been developed by using graphene sponge and paraffin. Originality/value: The materials and preparation methods with special structure and properties in this paper provide a new idea for the research of PCM, which can be widely used in the fields of energy conversion and storage.