High efficiency electro- and photo-thermal conversion cellulose nanofiber-based phase change materials for thermal management

Novel phase change materials composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were developed by an efficient and environment friendly strategy. The CNFs were modified and cross-linked by chitosan to form three-dimensional network structure, which provides strong support for the resulting CNF/CNT/PEG composites. The structure and properties of CNF/CNT/PEG composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, spectrums, and differential scanning calorimeter. They exhibit high latent heat (158.3 J/g), low heat loss (0.75%) and excellent photo-thermal conversion (energy storage efficiency 85.6%), electro-thermal conversion (energy storage efficiency 92.3%) properties. Due to their excellent performances, CNF/CNT/PEG composites have great potential to be used as thermal management materials.