Synthesis of microencapsulated stearic acid with amorphous TiO2 as shape-stabilized PCMs for thermal energy storage.

Abstract Stearic acid/amorphous TiO 2 composites were synthesized by a Sol-gel way with different pH values. The as-prepared PCMs were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR to determine the chemical compositions and structure to find out the influence of synthesis condition (pH valves). The thermal performance and thermal stability of the composite phase change material were determined by DSC and TGA. It was found that the composite PCMs prepared in the acidic condition exhibited better than that under alkaline condition. The addition of CNTs enhanced the thermal conductivity of the as-prepared PCMs. The purpose of our study is to provide a sample way to synthesis of composite PCM for thermal energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]