Preparation of high thermal conductivity form-stable phase change materials using nanoparticles for cold energy storage

Expanded graphite-based PCMs are widely used in cold chain transport due to their excellent thermal and leakage protection properties. In this study, the enhancement of thermal conductivity by incorporating various nanoparticles was explored for the first time within the framework of EG encapsulation. A series of novel FSPCMs were synthesized via melt mixing and ultrasonic dispersion, utilizing Al 2 O 3 , MgO, and MWCNT as thermal conductivity enhancers. It was determined that it achieved the highest energy storage density (167.5 kJ/kg) with 3 % MWCNT, a suitable phase transition temperature (4.71 °C), and elevated thermal conductivity (1.383 W/(m·K)). Moreover, after 200 thermal cycles, the phase transition temperature of TD-LA/3 % MWCNT/8 % EG decreased to 4.44 °C, and the latent heat of phase transition decreased to 161.0 kJ/kg. The developed FSPCM demonstrated the ability to maintain a temperature of 8 °C for 431 min after being charged in a cold storage box, providing extended cold retention and enhanced preservation quality. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights and practical implications for advancing phase change material-based cold storage technologies in cold chain logistics.