Innovative ultrasonic regeneration restores nano-phase change emulsions for low-temperature applications

(Press-News.org) Phase change emulsions (NPCEs) have significant potential for energy storage and temperature regulation due to their high energy density and efficient heat transfer. However, in most conventional NPCEs, performance under low-temperature and shear conditions is often compromised, leading to droplet coalescence and instability. A team of scientists has developed a high-energy ultrasonic regeneration strategy that enables real-time restoration of NPCE performance without interrupting the operation cycle. Their work was published in the journal Industrial Chemistry & Materials on July 28.

“We aim to develop a robust emulsion system that can withstand low-temperature shear stress while maintaining its performance through continuous regeneration,” explains Zhengguo Zhang, a professor at the South China University of Technology. This ultrasonic regeneration method offers real-time recovery of NPCE performance, ensuring consistent thermal management even under prolonged low-temperature conditions. The research team has successfully demonstrated the efficacy of this strategy, providing a reliable solution for enhancing the stability of NPCEs in cold-chain applications and energy storage systems.

In low-temperature thermal energy storage applications, phase change emulsions (NPCEs) hold great promise due to their high energy density and efficient heat transfer properties. However, their performance is often hindered by supercooling and instability under long-term shear stress, especially in cold environments. Supercooling causes the emulsion to remain in a liquid state below its melting point, while instability leads to the degradation of the emulsion, affecting its thermal performance. This makes NPCEs unsuitable for many low-temperature applications, such as in cold-chain logistics and energy storage systems.

In particular, the problem of low-temperature instability has been a critical barrier to the widespread use of NPCEs. Traditional emulsions struggle to maintain stability under low temperatures, where shear forces and temperature fluctuations can cause droplet coalescence and phase separation. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for advanced solutions that can enhance the emulsion’s stability without compromising its thermal efficiency.

The development of more effective nucleating agents, selection strategies, and innovative regeneration methods is essential to improving NPCE performance. By optimizing nucleating agents to reduce supercooling, understanding the microscopic mechanisms that govern stability, and implementing real-time ultrasonic regeneration strategies, this research aims to overcome the limitations of conventional NPCEs. These innovations are key to unlocking the full potential of NPCEs for a variety of low-temperature energy storage and heat management applications.

The research team made significant progress in nano-phase change emulsions (NPCEs) by optimizing nucleating agents, which nearly eliminated supercooling and enhanced emulsion stability. They also investigated the selection principles of nucleating agents and uncovered the microscopic mechanisms that affect low-temperature shear stability. To further improve performance, a high-energy ultrasonic regeneration method was developed, enabling real-time restoration of emulsion properties during operation without interrupting the heat exchange process. These innovations greatly enhance the practical applications of NPCEs in thermal energy storage and cold-chain logistics.

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand the scope of this technology for large-scale industrial applications. “We aim to scale up the ultrasonic regeneration process to meet the demands of real-world applications, particularly in the fields of thermal energy storage and cold-chain management. Our strategy could revolutionize how NPCEs are applied in various temperature-sensitive industries,” said Zhang. The team is also exploring ways to further optimize the regeneration process and make it more efficient, with potential applications in other industries requiring stable thermal management solutions.

The research team includes Yuyao Guo, Jinxin Feng, Zhihao Xia, Ziye Ling, Xiaoming Fang and Zhengguo Zhang from the South China University of Technology. This research is funded by the Dongguan Key Research & Development Program.

Industrial Chemistry & Materials is a peer-reviewed interdisciplinary academic journal published by Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) with APCs currently waived. ICM publishes significant innovative research and major technological breakthroughs in all aspects of industrial chemistry and materials, especially the important innovation of the low-carbon chemical industry, energy, and functional materials. Check out the latest ICM news on the blog.

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