The unique properties of the inorganic salt hydrate calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2.6H2O) make it a promising candidate for use in phase change energy storage. Significant phase separation and considerable supercooling are two of its intrinsic issues that have severely limited its use. To address these challenges, this research used cellulose nanofibril (CNF) and strontium chloride hexahydrate (SrCl2.6H2O) as a thickener/stabilizer and a nucleating agent, respectively in the CaCl2.6H2O-based composite PCM system. The resultant composite PCMs have an increased cycle stability, high phase change enthalpy (~170 J/g) and minimal supercooling. Multiple characterization methods, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy indicated that the ionic and hydrogen bond interactions between CaCl2.6H2O and CNF is the primary reason for the stabilizing effect. This study has important scientific implications for the use of green polymers such as CNF as stabilizing agents in salt hydrate composite PCM systems for long-term thermal energy storage applications.

Improved thermal energy storage performance of calcium chloride hexahydrate using cellulose nanofibril

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