Sandwich-structured HDPE-based medium-temperature phase change composites with MXene interlayers for photo-thermal-electrical applications

Abstract

As global resource depletion intensifies, solar energy has gained widespread attention due to its vast potential. However, the inherent variability and intermittency of solar radiation emphasizes the need for energy storage. Against this backdrop, the thermoelectric devices based on phase change material (PCM) have attracted numerous attention. Currently, traditional PCMs suffer from low phase change temperatures, resulting in insufficient temperature differences for thermoelectric devices. In this work, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used as a medium-temperature (125-135°C) PCM, in which the polyamide 6 (PA6) particles are dispersed to prepare shape-stable phase change material (SSPCM) through tensile flow field. The HDPE/PA6 blends is combined with a MXene@PTA to produce a sandwich-structured SSPCM. The sandwich-structured SSPCM has a latent heat of more than 165 J/g with the phase change temperature of 130 °C. In the photo-thermal-electrical experiment, the SSPCM could reaches 145.4 °C, which benefits the photo-thermal-electric conversion. Notably, the sample’s power generation time under no-light conditions is extended by 16.4 % and the power generation capacity is increased by 47.6 %. Moreover, the samples maintain excellent thermal performance even after 200 thermal cycles. This work provides a promising strategy for the development of multifunctional materials capable of efficient solar energy harvesting and upgrading photo-thermal-electrical conversion, demonstrating great potential for applications in energy storage and conversion technologies.