Enhancing the light-thermal absorption and conversion capacity of diatom-based biomass/polyethylene glycol composites phase change material by introducing MXene

The first case of utilizing MXene as an "enhancer" for light-thermal absorption and conversion of biomass diatom-based phase change materials (PCMs) to prepare novel shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs) is introduced. The SSPCMs composed of MXene-containing diatomite as a supporting material, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as phase change material could be fabricated by a simple melt impregnation method. The chemical properties and thermal performance of all SSPCMs are characterized and analyzed. No chemical reactions were involved between PEG and the supporting material. Prepared by the theoretical mass ratio, the SSPCM-2 shows a good phase change performance and thermal stability with a relative enthalpy efficiency of 99.2 %. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of SSPCM-2 rose by 111.8 % over PEG and by 11 % over SSPCM-1. More importantly, the light-thermal absorption and conversion efficiency of SSPCMs were effectively facilitated by the introduction of the MXene "enhancer". This study provides a novel strategy for preparing high-performance of light-response biomass SSPCMs, which can be harnessed for solar thermal energy storage.