Journal of Hebei University of Technology, Volume. 54, Issue 3, 32(2025)
Heat storage performance of gel-encapsulated hollow porous ceramic phase change materials
To address the inherent limitations of traditional phase change materials (PCMs), including low thermal conductivity, leakage susceptibility, and insufficient cycling stability, this study developed a hollow porous ceramic-based composite phase change material (PPCM). The fabrication process involved three key steps: First, hollow porous ceramic microspheres were synthesized. Subsequently, paraffin was loaded into the ceramic microspheres via vacuum adsorption. Finally, the paraffin-loaded microspheres were encapsulated using a dual-network gel to produce PPCM. Comprehensive investigations were conducted on the microstructure, melting point, phase change enthalpy, thermal conductivity and cycling stability of PPCM. Experimental results demonstrated that the ceramic microspheres exhibited interconnected hierarchical pore channels, enabling effective PCM encapsulation while maintaining robust compressive resistance. The dual-network gel, stabilized through crosslinking reactions, ensured excellent structural integrity, with no leakage observed at 65 ℃. The PPCM displayed a phase transition temperature range of 45-55 ℃, a latent heat value exceeding 190 J/g, and a thermal conductivity of 0.57 W/(m·K)—representing a 159.09% enhancement compared to pure paraffin. Remarkably, the PPCM retained 99.64% of its initial latent heat after 800 thermal cycles and exhibited superior flame retardant properties. Combining high energy storage density, leakage resistance, and long-term cyclability, this PPCM demonstrates significant application potential in building energy efficiency, electronic thermal management, and industrial waste heat recovery. This study establishes a novel paradigm for designing high-performance phase change thermal storage materials.
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LIU Chenzhen, SUN Yu, ZHANG Guangtong, RAO Zhonghao. Heat storage performance of gel-encapsulated hollow porous ceramic phase change materials[J]. Journal of Hebei University of Technology, 2025, 54(3): 32
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Received: Mar. 24, 2025
Accepted: Aug. 22, 2025
Published Online: Aug. 22, 2025
The Author Email: RAO Zhonghao (raozhonghao@hebut.edu.cn)