Synthesis of Almond Shell Biochar-Based Shape-Stable Composite Phase Change Material Using Capric Acid for Thermal Energy Storage

Abstract

A new shape-stable composite phase change material (PCM) have been produced via an easy and simple vacuum impregnation method. The composite PCM have been derived from almond shell biochar (ASB) as supporting material and capric acid (CA) as phase change material. Cost effective waste almond shells (AS) are renewable, eco-friendly, and rich in pores which enhance the possibility of CA impregnation. Therefore, in this study, three different ratios of CA (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) have been incorporated in ASB to produce shape-stabilized phase change composites (ASCAs). Different techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscope (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have been applied to evaluate the characteristics of ASCAs. The attained composite PCMs have exhibited shape stability with high latent heat storage, that makes it suitable for thermal energy storage applications.