Preparation and characterization of nanoencapsulated tetradecane as phase change material for cool thermal energy storage

Nanoencapsulated phase change material (PCM) is prepared by using in-situ polymerization methods. Tetradecane is used as core material, which melts and solidifies at 5. 7 degrees C with a specific latent heat of 217kJ/kg. Uera and formaldehyde are used for the shell polymerization. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is used as the emulsifier and Resorcin is used as the system modifier. Characterization of the morphology of the nanocapsules is carried out by a scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and the thermal properties is investigated by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The SEM analysis indicates that the nanocapsules have an average size of 100nm and are well coated, uera-formaldehyde polymer particles adhered firmly around the surface of the nanocapsules. DSC analysis indicates that the mass content of tetradecane is up to 81%, which resulted in a latent heat of 176kJ/kg of the nanocapsules. The phase change temperature of the capsules is 5. 4 degrees C, a little lower than pure tetradecane. The nanocapsules have good water endurance and can form stable phase change suspension with water. The phase change point of the nanoencapsulated tetradecane is within the evaporating temperature range of the air-conditioning system, it's potential to be used in the cool thermal energy storage air conditioning systems.