Nature-inspired Biochar–Nanotube hybrid porous networks for next-generation heat-enhanced phase change materials

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used for thermal energy storage (TES) applications. Nevertheless, the low thermal conductivity and low thermal stability hinder their use in TES applications. Hence, Hybrid nanoparticles are widely used to overcome the aforementioned problems due to their dual functionality. In this study, a facile method is employed to synthesize coconut shell waste particles that are mixed with MWCNT particles and developed into a hybrid nanoparticle with a 1:1 (coconut shell: MWCNT) ratio. The hybrid nanoparticle was dispersed with the RT50 to develop a composite via a two-step method. The primary purpose of using the hybrid nanoparticle with RT50 is to enhance a low thermal conductivity and thermal stability of base PCM. Coconut shell particles are highly porous and have a 3-D structure, as determined by SEM analysis, which helps improve the intermolecular bonding between the particles and the PCM, resulting in improved thermal stability. MWCNT is a highly conductive particle that helps improve phonon movement, thereby overcoming a low thermal conductivity of RT50. The experimental results of the research work demonstrated that the composite exhibits a 109.52 % increase in thermal conductivity and a 5.20 % increase in latent heat compared to the base PCM. Additionally, after conducting 500 thermal cycles, the composite shows negligible changes in its thermal properties. Based on the experimental results of the developed composites is suitable for the advanced accelerated heat transfer rate during use in the TES applications. • Green synthesis of nature-inspired particles via a facile method • Developed a hybrid particle-dispersed PCM composite using a two-step method • Thermal conductivity of the composites increased by 109.52 % • Thermal assessments of a composite are stable after 500 thermal cycles