Preparation and properties of activated carbon-based Na3PO4 composites for low-temperature thermochemical heat storage

With the advantages of low heat storage temperature, high heat storage density, and a low price, Na3PO4 has been proposed as a thermochemical heat storage candidate material for use in solar low-temperature heat storage engineering applications. However, the application of pure Na3PO4 is limited due to its propensity for agglomeration. In this study, activated carbon-based Na3PO4 (R-AC@Na3PO4) composites with mass fractions of 30 %, 50 %, and 80 % were synthesized by melt impregnation method using activated carbon as the porous matrix. The morphology and structure of the composites were characterized, and their heat storage performances were investigated. The hydration experiments were carried out in a constant temperature and humidity chamber and dehydration experiments were carried out in thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry simultaneously. The results showed that at 30 °C, 60 % relative humidity, the hydration equilibrium time for the composites were only 30 %–40 % of the pure material. Meanwhile, at a mass fraction of 80 %, material's volumetric heat storage can reach 1793 J·cm−3 without agglomeration, and the performance was stable after 20 cyclic tests. This study provides a reference for the research and development of low-temperature thermochemical heat storage materials and offers more possibilities for R-AC@Na3PO4 composites in future engineering applications.