Effects of injection rate of ammonia solution on the morphology of phase change n-octadecane/silica core-shell nanobeads

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the effects of the injection rate of ammonia solution on the morphology of phase change n-octadecane/silica core-shell type nanobeads. Phase change nanobeads are synthesized via emulsion polymerization in the presence of n-octadecane and silane monomers. Ammonia solution is used for the initiation of hydrolysis and the condensation reaction between silane monomers to form SiO2 shells. We observe that slow injection of ammonia leads to the formation of hollow PCMs, whereas the rapid injection of ammonia results in solid PCMs. We discuss the potential mechanisms related to the formation of different shapes of encapsulated PCMs. © The Electrochemical Society