Influence of single-step titanium dioxide nanofluid on thermal and rheological behavior of inorganic phase change material (sodium acetate tri-hydrate) for thermal energy storage
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Stefan Iglauer: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8080-1590
Abstract
The high latent heat and temperature-regulating features of phase transition materials have received a large amount of attention in thermal energy storage (TES). But a lot of salt hydrate-based phase change materials (PCM), such as sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT), have built-in problems that impair their dependability and long-term performance. This work investigates the addition of single-step-synthesized titanium dioxide nanofluids to SAT matrix to improve its thermal properties and overcome these drawbacks. The use of a streamlined, single-step synthesis method to create well-dispersed TiO2 nanofluids with regulated particle sizes (30, 50, and 70 nm) and introduce them into SAT at two concentrations to create six different n-PCM composites (TS1–TS6) is what makes this study novel. Significant improvements in thermal behavior were found through thorough characterization employing dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and rheological tests. A delayed dehydration onset (~120°C) decreased initial mass loss (~27%), and attenuated high-temperature deterioration (68%–48%) were all demonstrated by TS1, which synthesized TiO2 at a lower concentration (size = 30 nm). A higher crystallization peak at 66.70°C was verified by DSC analysis as opposed to 62.72°C for pure SAT. Furthermore, because of its strong contact with PCM matrix and improved nanoparticle dispersion, TS1 showed superior stability and flow behavior. Using single-step TiO2 production, our work closes the gap in PCM enhancement by offering a scalable and effective method for nanofluid integration. TS1 is a viable candidate for advanced TES methods since it provided the best balance of thermal improvement, material economy, and process simplicity among all formulations.
Keywords
n-PCM, PCM, SAT, TES, thermal stability
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
4-1-2026
Volume
8
Issue
3
Publication Title
Energy Storage
Publisher
Wiley
School
School of Engineering
Copyright
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