APP/GNP aerogel-enhanced layered phase change composites for multi-scenario energy conversion and storage

To address low thermal conductivity, flammability, and leakage issues inherent in organic phase change materials, 3D thermally conductive and flame retardant self-supporting skeletons with layered structures are constructed on the basis of the synergistic assembly effect of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) flame retardant and thermally conductive graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The resultant APP/GNP aerogels can impart superior flame retardancy and shape stability to phase change materials. Benefiting from the continuous layered thermally conductive networks, the phase change composite achieves a high thermal conductivity of 8.75 W m −1  K −1 at a low GNP content of 6.49 vol%. The high-performance phase change composite features dual-mode energy conversion capabilities that synergistically combine electric- and solar-thermal conversion for continuous thermal energy harvesting, storage, and release. It can be integrated into solar-thermal-electric energy conversion systems to achieve full-chain efficient solar energy conversion and day-night continuous power generation. The output voltage of the designed solar-thermal power generator can reach 2042.3 mV under the solar irradiation of 12 kW m −2 . This work provides a feasible strategy for designing high-performance multifunctional phase change composites and advancing next-generation energy conversion systems.