ARCI develops nano-composite material for thermal energy storage
Researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a scalable process for producing a spinel nano-composite phase change material (PCM) that demonstrated a 45% increase in specific heat capacity for thermal energy storage applications.
The process was developed by a research team led by Dr. Mani Karthik using a co-precipitation method to produce spinel-type metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled particle size. According to the researchers, the nanomaterials showed strong thermal stability and uniform dispersion characteristics, making them suitable for high-performance nanocomposite PCM applications.
The study found that adding 1% spinel oxide nanoparticles to the base PCM increased its specific heat capacity by up to 45% compared to conventional PCM without nanocomposites. Specific heat capacity refers to the material’s ability to store thermal energy.
Researchers said the improved performance is linked to enhanced thermal properties achieved through better nanoparticle dispersion within the PCM. The increased surface area leads to the formation of a stable spinel oxide layer at the interface, which raises surface energy and contributes to higher heat storage capability.
The technology is intended for use in thermal energy storage (TES) systems, particularly in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and industrial waste heat recovery applications. In CSP projects, TES systems enable electricity generation during non-sunshine hours, while in industrial settings they help recover and utilise excess heat from industrial processes.
According to ARCI, the improved thermal storage material enables greater energy storage per unit mass, allowing the use of smaller storage tanks and reducing construction material requirements. The development is also expected to lower capital and operational costs for thermal energy storage systems.
The research was published in Materials Today Chemistry by Elsevier. ARCI stated that the work supports India’s clean energy goals and the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative by strengthening domestic capabilities in advanced energy storage materials.
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