Atinafu, et al (2024) Highly stable mesoporous-controlled corncob biochar confined paraffinic material with exceptional latent heat retention performance. Journal of Energy Storage. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.112540

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A recent study published in the Journal of Energy Storage explores an innovative approach to energy storage using corncob-derived biochar and paraffinic phase-change materials (PCMs). This biochar, produced from agricultural corncob waste, exhibits mesoporous properties that significantly enhance its energy storage capabilities.

The research highlights how biochar, traditionally used for soil remediation, can be repurposed for encapsulating PCMs to improve their thermal stability and energy density. The study involved combining corncob biochar with n-hexadecane, a commercially available PCM, using vacuum impregnation techniques. This bio-composite achieved an impressive energy efficiency of 250.6 kJ kg−1 and demonstrated 110.3% latent heat retention after 500 thermal cycles.

The results indicate that the corncob biochar/hexadecane composite has high fractional crystallinity and a relative latent heat efficiency of 98.9%. The composite also showed excellent chemical compatibility, stability, and competitive energy density compared to nonrenewable fossil-based materials like exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets. The high performance is attributed to the intermolecular interactions between the biochar and the PCM, which enhance thermal properties.

This study suggests that using agricultural waste like corncobs can create cost-effective, high-performance energy storage solutions. This approach aligns with the UN’s sustainable development goals by promoting renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The findings pave the way for further exploration and potential large-scale application of biochar-based thermal energy storage systems.