Paraffin@SiO2 microcapsules-based phase change composites with enhanced thermal conductivity for passive battery cooling

Phase change materials (PCMs) are potential candidates in passive thermal regulation and energy storage fields due to their high latent heat capacity around phase transition temperature. However, the leakage problem and low thermal conductivity are two obstructive factors for the extended application of PCMs. Herein, a series of paraffin@silicon dioxide microcapsules (Pa@SiO2)/graphene sheets (GS)/silicone rubber (SR) phase change composites (PCCs) were prepared. It is found that the inorganic SiO2 shell is conducive to enhancing the thermal conductivity of PCCs and the double encapsulation by the SiO2 shell and SR skeleton can restrict the leakage of liquid Pa during phase transition. With a Pa@SiO2 content of 70 wt%, the PCCs have a high latent heat of 126.1 J/g and enhanced thermal conductivity of 0.37 W m(-1) K-1, which is 131.25% higher compared to that of pure SR. In addition, the introduction of graphene sheets further boosts the thermal conductivity of PCCs to 2.69 W m(-1) K-1. The obtained PCCs lead to a surprising temperature decline of nearly 35 C of a commercial lithium-ion battery during a high discharge rate (7.4 C). This work provides an efficient route to fabricate microcapsules-based PCCs for passive thermal regulation.

Automated summary

Phase change materials (PCMs) have great potential in passive thermal regulation and energy storage due to their high latent heat capacity. However, leakage and low thermal conductivity are obstacles for their application. In this study, paraffin@silicon dioxide microcapsules/graphene sheets/silicone rubber composite materials were prepared to improve thermal conductivity and prevent leakage. The obtained composite materials showed enhanced thermal conductivity and significantly reduced the temperature of a lithium-ion battery during high discharge rate.