Ultra-light and flexible graphene aerogel-based form-stable phase change materials for energy conversion and energy storage

This work initially prepared the ultra-light flexible graphene aerogel (LGA) with the function of electro/photo-thermal conversion by introducing the natural latex into the graphene aerogel. The functional LGA was then used as supporting matrix to fabricate novel form-stable phase change materials (PCMs). The microstructure, thermal performance and multi-energy driven properties of the form-stable PCMs are investigated and results present that both the LGA and form-stable PCMs are flexible. DSC tests indicate that the encapsulation efficiency of LGA to PCM is calculated about 90 wt%. The form-stable PCMs show a superior thermal reliability after 200 thermal cycling. Based on the excellent electro/photo-thermal conversion of LGA, the form-stable PCMs also reveal outstanding photo-sensitive flexibility under a simulated light source, which can convert 73.5% of electric energy into heat energy at low driving voltage of 8 V. Moreover, the form-stable PCMs enable to transform the photo energy into thermal energy, with the maximum conversion effectivity of 91.8%. The form-stable PCMs effectively also extend the output voltage time of the thermoelectric generator coupled with the novel thermal energy storage. Therefore, the form-stable PCMs with multi-energy conversion functions will have extensive application prospects in the energy storage system and thermal management fields.