Research Projects

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems utilize the heat energy stored or released during phase transition (solid-solid or solid-liquid) of phase change materials (PCM). PCMs have unique characteristics like high latent heat storage capacity, high heat of fusion etc. PCM based TES devices have the required properties to be used in heating or cooling systems in constructions, power generation systems, food storage, thermoregulated textiles etc. Furthermore, the utilization of sustainable and bio-degradable materials for encapsulation of PCMs eradicates the problem of recyclability and reduces carbon emissions. Herein, the idea of fabricating a novel porous aerogel based on cellulose (an abundantly available natural polymer) for use as a support structure of PCM (e.g., n-icosane) along with silver nanowires (AgNWs) to enhance thermal conductivity in TES systems. The proposed TES system may be expected to provide us unique properties over other TES systems such as bio-degradability, inexpensive, scalability, lower density, almost zero or minimal leakage of PCM due to complex porous structure, high thermal conductivity, better miscibility with construction materials (e.g., for building applications) and higher compressive strength etc.