Nano-enhanced phase change material effects on the supercooling degree improvement: A review

In this paper, an overview about experimental procedure of phase change material (PCM), in order to enhance its thermal properties is discussed. Enhancement of PCM needs the employment of nanoparticle that would affect the thermo-physical properties. The supercooling degree of PCM influenced by dispersion of nanoparticle which can be controlled by the nucleation process of nanoparticle. Hence, the best candidate material as nucleating agent is preferred in order to maximize the dispersion nanoparticle in PCM. In addition, the tiny structure will cause nanoparticle to have a large surface area that correlates with their physical and chemical properties that react to the thermal-physical properties of PCM. In this review, graphene-based nanoparticle is discussed. The surface area of graphene is the main characteristics used in determining the best thermal physical properties for nano-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM). Due to the best characteristics as base phase change material, inorganic salt hydrates material is reviewed in this paper. However, there have been limited research carried out about the employment of graphene nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and modification process of nanoparticle itself to enhance the thermal physical properties of inorganic PCM. (paper)