Enhancement of Phase Change Materials With Nanoparticles: Thermal Performance and Energy Applications

Full text

TÜRKİYE’NİN BARINMA
KRİZİ
SOSYAL GÜVENLİK UZMANI
DOÇ. DR. MEHMET AKALIN

Chapter 12
ENHANCEMENT OF PHASE CHANGE
MATERIALS WITH NANOPARTICLES: THERMAL
PERFORMANCE AND ENERGY APPLICATIONS
Şafak Melih ŞENOCAK1
Yasin VAROL2
1 Şafak Melih ŞENOCAK , Lecturer, Osmaniye Korkut Ata Univer sity, Osmaniye Vocational
School, e-mail: mlhsnck@gmail.com, ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0602-2836
2 Prof. Dr. Yasin VAROL, Firat Universit y, Technology Faculty, Elazig, e-mail: yvarol@gmail.
com, ORCID ID: https://orcid.org /0000-0 003-2989-7125

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1. Introduction
Over the past few years, global energy demand has witnessed a
substantial r ise, fueled by interrelated factors such as rapid population growth
and the intensifying impacts of globalization. is trend underscores the
increasing pressure on energy systems to meet the demands of expanding
urbanization and industrial activities. According to the International
Energy Agency (IEA), primary energy consumption has surged by 48%
over the past two decades, with a corresponding 42% increase in carbon
diox ide (CO2) emissions, further exacerbating global environmental
challenges. Moreover, projections indicate that the demand for cooling
an essential component of modern infrastructure is expected to triple
between 2010 and 2050, driven by factors such as rising living standards,
urban heat island eects, and climate change. Within this context, passive
cooling strategies have emerged as a critical focus of research due to their
energy eciency and sustainability. In particular, innovative methods
utilizing nanouids, vapor chambers, and phase change materials (PCM)
have garnered signicant attention in the literature, oering promising
solutions for enhanced thermal management in a variety of applications,
including building systems, electronics cooling, and renewable energy
technologies (Hussain, Ertam, Ben Hamida, Oztop, & Abu-Hamdeh,
2023; J. Li, Zhang, Xu, & Yuan, 2021; Varol, Coşanay, et al., 2025; Varol,
Oztop, et al., 2025). In recent years, researchers have focused on enhancing
the latent thermal energy storage capabilities of phase change materials
(PCM) across various elds, including building thermal comfort (Kean,
2019; Sidik, Nor Azwadi Che & M’hamed Beriache, 2020), electronics
cooling (Krishna, Kishore, & Solomon, 2017) and solar energy technologies
(Mao, Chen, & Yang, 2019) A key advantage of PCMs lies in their ability to
store thermal energy either as latent or sensible heat, or through chemical
reactions, making them versatile for dierent applications. e suitability
of a storage medium depends on several critical factors, including its
specic size or weight, the energy storage capacity, and the temperature
range required for a particular application. ese parameters play a pivotal
role in optimizing the material’s performance for energy management
solutions (Chandrasekaran, Cheralathan, Kumaresan, & Velraj, 2014;
Shank et al., 2022; Shank & Tiari, 2023; Tofani & Tiari, 2021). Recent
studies have also highlighted the importance of tailoring PCM properties
to align with specic use cases, further driving innovations in material
design and application eciency. ermal energy storage (TES) technology
enables the alignment of supply and demand by addressing the time gap
between energy generation and consumption. is capability allows for
the reduction or even elimination of peak electricity loads in buildings,
improving energy eciency and grid stability. TES systems are particularly

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eective in low-temperature applications such as milk preservation, food
transportation, and cold storage. In recent years, researchers have focused
on integrating the TES concept into various low-temperature systems with
enhanced thermal performance, aiming to optimize energy use in these
applications. Phase change materials (PCM) play a pivotal role in TES
systems due to their ability to absorb and release latent heat during phase
transitions, making them ecient energy storage solutions. Such latent
heat storage methods are especially favored for their ability to provide
high energy storage capacity over a broad range of operating temperatures,
making them indispensable for diverse thermal management applications.
(Tofani & Tiari, 2021; Trelles & Duy, 2003). Phase transitions can occur
through various phase combinations; however, for PCM applications,
the most ecient phase changes are those involving liquid-to-solid
(solidication) and solid-to-liquid (melting) transitions (Bruno, Belusko,
Liu, & Tay, 2015). In other words, the solidication process in PCMs allows
the release of latent heat, while the melting process facilitates its storage.
Figure 1 illustrates latent heat, representing the energy required to induce a
phase change in liquids and materials without any change in temperature.
Figure 1. Definition of latent and sensible heat alteration (Skovajsa, Koláček, &
Zálešák, 2017)
2. Classication of PCMs
PCMs (Jesumathy, Udayakumar, & Suresh, 2012; Kolokotsa,
Santamouris, Synnefa, & Karlessi, 2012), are compounds capable of storing
or releasing sucient amounts of energy under specic conditions to create
an optimal environment. is characteristic holds signicant potential,
particu larly in heat storage and temperature regulation systems. (Kushwah,

210 International Research and Evaluations in the Field of Engineering
Kumar Gaur, & Kumar Pandit, 2020; Swathykrishnan, Sreelakshmi,
Duggal, & Tomar, 2020; Tariq, Ali, Akram, Janjua, & Ahmadlouydarab,
2020). In this context, investigating the role of phase change materials in
thermal storage systems emerges as a critically important subject (Hassan,
Shakeel Laghari, & Rashid, 2016; Rathore & Shukla, 2019). As shown in
Figure 2, PCMs include organic, inorganic, and eutectic components.
However, due to their safety, non-corrosive nature, availability, and low
cost, parans, particularly paran wax, are among the most commonly
used types of PCMs (Ayala, Enghardt, & Horton, 1997).
Figure 2. Nano-enhanced phase change materials: Fundamentals and
applications (Said et al., 2024)
PCMs can be classied according to the phase transitions they
undergo, such as solid-to-solid, solid-to-liquid, solid-to-gas, liquid-to-
gas, and their reverse transformations. Among these, the solid-to-liquid
transition is particularly prominent due to its versatility in energy storage
and thermal management applications. is prominence stems from its
unique advantages, including substantial energy storage capacity, a broad
spectrum of phase change temperatures, and minimal volume uctuation
during phase transitions (Kalidasan, Pandey, Saidur, Samykano, & Tyagi,
2023; Yadav, Samykano, Pandey, Kareri, & Kalidasan, 2024). Solid-to-liquid

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PCMs can be further grouped into two distinct categories: low molecular
compounds and polymers. Low molecular compounds encompass a wide
range of substances, including organic materials such as parans, esters,
sugar alcohols, glycols, fatt y acids, and alcohols; inorganic materials li ke salt
hydrates and metallic compounds; and eutectic mixtures that can combine
organic, inorganic, or hybrid components. Polymers, on the other hand,
are distinguished by their molecular weight distribution, with examples
like polyethylene glycol oering phase transition temperatures that vary
depending on their molecular structure and application requirements
(Yadav et al., 2024). In addition to their classication by phase transitions,
PCMs can also be categorized based on specic criteria such as their
chemical composition, intended application, or physical properties. ese
classications allow for the precise selection of materials tailored to specic
needs, ensuring optimal performance in applications ranging from energy
storage systems to thermal regulation solutions. By aligning material
properties with their functional demands, PCM technology continues to
advance across diverse elds.
2.1. Classication Based on Physical Properties
PCMs can be broadly categorized into two main groups based on
their physical structure: organic and inorganic. Organic PCMs typically
consist of compounds such as parans, fatty acids, and esters. ese
materials are characterized by their ability to undergo phase transitions
within specic temperature ranges, enabling ecient energy storage and
release. Known for their high latent heat storage capacities, organic PCMs
are highly ecient in thermal energy management systems. ey are
composed of molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms,
which are further classied into categories such as fatty acids, alkanes, and
alcohols. During phase transitions, organic PCMs can store large amounts
of energy and release it when needed, making them suitable for various
energy management applications.
In contrast, inorganic PCMs are primarily composed of metals,
salts, and eutectic mixtures. ese materials are distinguished from their
organic counterparts by their higher thermal conductivity and density.
Inorganic PCMs are particularly notable for their ability to withstand
high temperatures and their superior thermal conductivity, making them
advantageous in applications that require durability and high-temperature
resistance. Due to their stable structure, inorganic PCMs are oen used
in demanding conditions where systems are exposed to signicant
temperature uctuations. eir robustness and excellent thermal
conductivity make them especially valuable in applications where precise
temperature control is critical.

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2.2. Classication Based on Chemical Properties
Phase change materials (PCMs) can be broadly categorized into
three primary groups based on their chemical composition: salt hydrates,
parans, and esters. Salt hydrates, a type of inorganic PCM, are formed by
combining salts with water molecules. ese materials are highly ecient
in storing latent heat, owing to the strong ion-dipole interactions between
the salt and water molecules. Widely used examples include calcium
chloride hexahydrate, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, and sodium su lfate
decahydrate. Despite their high energy storage capacity, salt hydrates face
challenges such as supercooling, corrosive behavior, and phase separation
during repeated use. Popular sa lts like sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), magnesium
sulfate (MgSO4), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) remain critical components
in many thermal storage systems, as researchers continue to mitigate these
limitations. (Dixit et al., 2022).
Parans, on the other hand, represent a class of organic PCMs that
are widely utilized in thermal energy storage applications. ese materials
excel in transitioning between solid and liquid phases, during which they
absorb or release signicant amounts of latent heat. Chemically stable and
composed of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) with the general formula
CnH2n+2, parans can withstand multiple phase change cycles without
degradation. Commonly used examples include alka nes such as octadeca ne
(C18H38) and eicosane (C20H42), which vary in molecular chain length and
phase transition properties. eir reliability and eciency make parans
a preferred choice for systems requiring consistent thermal performance
over time. (Hagelstein & Gschwander, 2017).
Another type of PCM includes fatty acids and esters, which are organic
compounds that absorb or release latent heat during phase transitions
between liquid and solid states. eir molecular structure, dened by
hydrocarbon chains and functional groups, signicantly inuences their
phase change behavior. Fatty acids consist of hydrocarbon chains with
a carboxyl group (–COOH) and can be either saturated or unsaturated.
ey are typically biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and derived
from renewable sources. Esters, on the other hand, are organic compounds
formed through reactions between carboxylic acids and alcohols. ey are
oen considered safer due to their low toxicity levels. ese characteristics
make fatty acids and esters ideal candidates for applications requiring
ecient thermal energy management.
2.3. Classication Based on Melting Temperature
Phase change materials (PCMs) can be classied based on their
melting point into three distinct categories: low-temperature, medium-
temperature, and high-temperature PCMs. Low-temperature PCMs,

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with phase change temperatures below standard room temperature, are
primarily utilized in cold storage and refrigeration systems to maintain
low temperatures eciently. Medium-temperature PCMs operate within
a phase change range spanning from room temperature to approximately
100°C, making them ideal for applications such as cooling electronic
devices and enhancing the thermal performance of building materials.
In contrast, high-temperature PCMs are engineered to handle phase
transitions above 100°C, catering to systems that require heat storage at
elevated temperatures, such as in industrial processes. Typical examples
of high-temperature PCMs include molten salts and metal alloys, both
known for their exceptional thermal storage capabilities under extreme
conditions.
3. Nano-Enhanced PCMs
e solidication process of PCMs begins when the liquid phase
transitions into a solid phase, resulting in an increase in the solid phase’s
volume. Before solidication starts, t here is typical ly little to no solid nucleus
present within the PCM. For nucleation to occur, the system must release
latent heat and reduce its energy level by freezing at the surface of the liquid
phase. Once the nucleus grows to a sucient size, the solidication process
begins, indicating the presence of energy barriers that must be overcome.
In some cases, solidication can occur under supercooled conditions,
at temperatures signicantly below the freezing point. Consequently,
nucleation is classied into two types: homogeneous nucleation, which is
initiated solely by the PCM, and heterogeneous nucleation, which occurs
due to an external source outside the PCM (Sundaram & Kalaisselvane,
2022). Heterogeneous nucleation is typically triggered by factors such as
additives introduced into the PCM, impurities, or cracks in the container
walls. To prevent supercooling in the PCM, specialized additives known as
nucleators can be employed to initiate heterogeneous nucleation.
e addition of nanoparticles has emerged as an eective method for
enhancing heat tra nsfer properties. e process of suspendi ng nanoparticles
to optimize the performance of storage materials, specically the base
PCM (phase change material), is commonly referred to as NEPCM (Nano-
Enhanced PCM). In this approach, additives or surfactants are utilized to
improve nucleation and dispersion within the base PCM, leading to the
development of NFPCM (Nanouid PCM) (Kumar, Kumaresan, & Velraj,
2016; Kumaresan, Velraj, & Das, 2012). During the freezing process, heat
transfer between the PCM and nanomaterials during nucleation is largely
dependent on the thermophysical properties of the PCM.
e widespread adoption of NEPCM in latent heat storage
technologies, replacing traditional PCM, is primarily attributed to the

214 International Research and Evaluations in the Field of Engineering
presence of dispersed nanoparticles such as copper (Cu), copper oxide
(CuO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and carbon nanotubes (CNT). ese
nanoparticles signicantly inuence the phase change behavior of
NEPCM due to their high thermal conductivity. Figure 3 illustrates that
increasing the volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles from 0% to 20%, and
from 0% to 5% in a ring-shaped NEPCM, enhances thermal conductivity
and heat transfer rates, thereby reducing the overall solidication time.
Elbahjaoui et al. (Elbahjaoui & El Qarnia, 2017), observed an improvement
in the solidication rate of rectangular NEPCM plates containing 0-8%
Cu volume fractions. Kashani et al. (Kashani, Ranjbar, Madani, Mastiani,
& Jalaly, 2013), reported that during the solidication process of square
NEPCM, an increase in Cu volume fraction from 0% to 8% resulted in a
larger solidied region, facilitated by lower wall temperatures as the volume
fraction increased. Sharma et al. (Sharma, Ganesan, Sahu, Metselaar,
& Mahlia, 2014), they observed that the solidication time of Cu-based
NEPCM decreased as the volume fraction increased from 0% to 20%. Li
et al. (Z. Li, Sheikholeslami, Jafaryar, & Shafee, 2019) they simulated the
performance of NEPCM in a channel and reported that an increase in
nanoparticle fraction enhanced the solidication rate.

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Figure 3. The comparison of liquid fractions during NePCM solidification
at dierent time intervals (t = 100 s and 500 s) was conducted for Cu volume
fractions of ∅ = 0%, 10%, and 20%. In this analysis, the red color represents
the liquid region, while the blue color indicates the solid region (Khodadadi &
Hosseinizadeh, 2007).
As shown in Table 1, the use of these uids has led to signicant
improvements in heat transfer, providing data that highlights the
enhancement of thermo-physical properties when incorporated into
PCMs.

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Table 1. The eect of nanoparticles on heat transfer (Mebarek-Oudina &
Chabani, 2023).
Nanopartcles Observatons
SO2, TO2, Al2O3 e ntroducton of nanopartcles generally results n a 45%
ncrease n thermal ecency.
Cu ve TO2e hgh thermal conductvty of nanopartcles enables better
utlzaton of the thermal confguraton.
TO2ermal ecency s drectly assocated wth the ncreased
presence of nanopartcles.
Al2O3 ve CuO e type and thermo-physcal propertes of nanopartcles
determne the rate and crculaton of heat absorpton.
Fe2O3, ZnO, Ag, SO2Nanopartcles can alter and enhance the thermal conductvty
of the base ud.
MgO , CuO, Al2O3,
TO2
e thermo-physcal propertes of nanopartcles make them
excellent canddates for heat exchange, coolng, and heatng
systems.
MWCNT and Al2O3Nanouds can absorb heat for prolonged perods, thus
alterng the performance of heat exchangers.
From an economic perspective, the cost of integrating nanoparticles
and phase change materials into systems is relatively low compared to
the signicant thermal performance enhancements they provide. ese
materials can be acquired at aordable prices, depending on their types,
sizes, purity levels, and thermo-physical properties.
3.1. e Eect of Nanoparticles on the ermal Conductivity of PCM
Incorporatng nanopartcles nto PCMs requres a thorough analyss
of how ther thermo-physcal propertes mpact the behavor and
performance of the base materals. Adjustments n the nanopartcle
volume fracton play a key role n alterng the characterstcs of nano-
enhanced PCMs (NePCM). For nstance, a study examnng the thermal
conductvty of pure paran PCM and paran PCM nfused wth
CuO nanopartcles at varyng temperatures hghlghted a sgnfcant
ncrease n thermal conductvty for the nanopartcle-enhanced PCM.
e data, as llustrated n Fgure 3, demonstrated that the ncluson of
CuO nanopartcles markedly mproved the materal’s ablty to conduct
heat. Addtonally, ncreasng the concentraton of nanopartcles further
enhanced the thermal conductvty, ndcatng a drect correlaton
between nanopartcle volume fracton and heat transfer performance.
ese observatons underlne the mportance of nanopartcle ntegraton
n optmzng PCM ecency.

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Figure 4. Thermal Conductivity of PCM and Nano-PCM at Dierent
Temperatures (Mebarek-Oudina & Chabani, 2023).
Figure 4 compares the therma l conductivit ies of pure para n PCM and
CuO-based nano-PCM at dierent temperatures and CuO concentrations.
A signicant improvement in thermal conductivity is observed with
an increase in the volume fraction of CuO nanoparticles. Compared to
pure paran, nano-PCMs containing 10%, 30%, and 50% CuO exhibit
noticeably higher thermal conductivities across all temperatures. As the
temperature increases, the thermal conductivity of the nano-PCMs also
rises, with the highest values recorded at the maximum temperature. is
suggests that elevated temperatures positively inuence the energy transfer
between nanoparticles and the base PCM, potentially accelerating phase
change processes.
e study highlights that nanoparticles with high thermal
conductivity, such as CuO, optimize the thermal performance of PCMs,
enhancing energy t ransfer eciency. Notably, when the CuO concentration
is increased to 50%, the thermal conductivity reaches its peak, conrming
the positive impact of nanoparticle presence on the thermal properties
of PCM. Overall, the graph demonstrates that nano-PCMs oer superior
performance compared to conventional PCMs in thermal management
applications, particularly at high temperatures, by improving energy
storage and transfer eciency.

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4. Applications of NePCM
In recent years, nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM)
have become a focal point of interest due to their wide range of applications
across various industries. NePCM stand out for their ability to store
and release signicant amounts of thermal energy during phase change
processes. e inclusion of nanoparticles in PCMs not only enhances
their thermal conductivity and heat transfer rates but also signicantly
improves their energy storage capacity. ese attributes make NePCM
an ideal choice for numerous applications, ranging from photovoltaic/
thermal (PV/T) systems and battery thermal management solutions to
building insulation applications, HVAC systems, solar cookers, textiles,
and the food industry.
Figure 5 provides an overview of these applications, detailing the
thermal regulation mechanisms involved. PCMs integrated into thermal
energy storage (TES) systems oer substantial advantages in temperature
regulation and energy eciency. e success of such integrations depends
on factors such as material compatibility, the eectiveness of heat
transfer mechanisms, and the optimization of system design. Selecting
the appropriate methods and materials can signicantly enhance system
performance and energy savings.
One of the most commonly used methods for integrating PCMs into
TES systems is the direct incorporation of PCMs into the storage medium.
is is typically achieved through two approaches: encapsulating PCMs
in microcapsules or impregnating them into porous structures. In the
microencapsulation method, PCMs are enclosed within a polymeric
shell, and these capsules are uniformly distributed throughout the storage
medium. is technique enhances the eciency of energy storage and
release processes during phase change, improves heat transfer, prevents
phase separation, and increases the long-term stability of the PCM. ese
features enable PCM-based systems to have broader applications in thermal
management solutions.

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Figure 5. Thermal Method Implementation for NePCM (Said et al., 2024)
Figure 5 illustrates the diverse applications and key advantages
of nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) across various
industries. e central circle highlights the benets of NePCM, including
enhanced thermal performance, improved thermal stability, better phase
crystallization, and reduced subcooling. Surrounding segments detail
the application areas, emphasizing solutions provided by NePCM in
photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems, the electronics industry, HVAC
applications, solar-powered systems, and battery thermal management.
Technical diagrams around the visual provide concrete examples of
how NePCM are integrated into these applications, detailing scenarios
such as energy management in buildings, thermal control in batteries, and
their use in solar energy systems. is visual eectively demonstrates the
potential of NePCM’ in thermal management and the broad scope of their
applications.
4.1. ermal Method Application for NePCM
e Battery ermal Management System (BTMS) aims to ensure safe
and long-lasting performance by eectively managing the heat generated

220 International Research and Evaluations in the Field of Engineering
during battery operation. By maintaining a balanced battery temperature,
BTMS eliminates the risk of thermal runaway and minimizes capacity
loss. It is designed to provide long cycle life for battery modules, ecient
operation at low cost, and safe discharge at the desired voltage. While
current batteries generally operate within a temperature range of 40°C to
60°C (Jiang, Li, Qu, & Zhang, 2022), researchers consider the ideal range
to be between 20°C and 45°C. However, when the battery temperature
exceeds 80°C, severe consequences such as thermal runaway may occur.
Additionally, temperature imbalances within the battery can adversely
aect its lifespan; even a 5°C temperature dierence can lead to a 1% to 2%
reduction in battery capacity (Feng et al., 2018). erefore, designing an
eective BTMS is crucial to improving the adaptability of batteries across
various applications.
Cooling strategies in BTMS, such as PCM-based methods, provide
notable benets including ecient heat storage, user-friendly application,
long-term reliability, and seamless integration with battery systems.
However, one major challenge limiting their broader application is the
inherently low thermal conductivity of PCMs. Recent advancements
suggest that this issue can be eectively mitigated through the inclusion
of nanoparticles (NPs) (Xiong, Zheng, & Shah, 2020). Signicant research
eorts are focused on boosting the thermal conductivity of PCMs by
incorporating various types of nanoparticles, including carbon-based,
metal-based, and hybrid materials. Concurrently, dierent preparation
methods are being rened to maximize nanoparticle eciency. While
these enhancements improve heat transfer performance, they can also
introduce challenges such as imbalances in the additive ratio, reduced
latent heat capacity, or changes in the melting point and structural stability
of composite PCMs.
is section delves into the formulation of nano-enhanced PCMs
(NePCM), analyzing their impact on the thermal and physical properties
of PCMs, the design parameters of NePCM-based battery systems, and
the eciency of thermal management systems employing carbon-based,
metal-based, and hybrid nanoparticles.
To optimize BTMS performance, NePCMs must meet specic
requirements. e melting point of NePCMs should align with ambient
conditions and the operational temperature range of batteries, typically
between 25°C and 50°C. e selected temperature should exceed ambient
levels while remaining within safe operational limits. High thermal
conductivity is vital for eective heat absorption and distribution,
especially during rapid charge-discharge cycles. Additionally, NePCMs
should maintain substantial latent and specic heat capacities to eciently
store the thermal energy generated by battery operations. Furthermore,

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thermal stability is another key criterion to ensure uniform temperature
distribution during application and to minimize energy loss. To maintain
reliability over long-term use, the NePCM must retain its chemical and
physical properties during multiple heating and cooling cycles without
degradation.
From a safety perspective, NePCM should be non-ammable and free
from corrosive properties to prevent reactions with the battery electrodes.
To simplify integration into battery modules, the NePCM must possess low
density, minimizing complications during system design and reducing the
risk of leakage during melting. Form stability is equally crucial to ensure
the NePCM retains its structure during phase transitions. Phenomena
such as supercooling can negatively impact NePCM performance, making
it essential for the material to exhibit suitable crystallization rates and low
supercooling tendencies. Additionally, cost-eectiveness is vital for the
commercial viability of BTMS, ensuring the NePCM is readily available in
the market and oering economic eciency to shorten the payback period
during integration. is balance of technical and economic factors can
signicantly improve the performance and reliability of battery systems
with a well-designed BTMS. e low thermal conductivity of PCM is a
major limitation in its application to BTMS. During hig h heat accumulation
and rapid charge-discharge cycles, the PCM alone is insucient for
eective heat transfer. To address this, the addition of NP to PCM is
necessary to enhance thermal conductivity, resulting in the development
of NePCM. Two primary methods are employed for NePCM preparation:
the one-step method and the two-step method. In the one-step method,
the preparation of nanoparticles NPs and their dispersion within the PCM
are carried out simultaneously. However, the two-step method is more
commonly preferred. In the two-step method, NPs are rst synthesized or
obtained and then combined with the base PCM. is approach involves
various techniques such as mixing and sonication, vapor impregnation,
autoclaving, ultrasonication, kneading mixing, and coating with a varnish
layer (Reji Kumar, Samykano, Pandey, Kadirgama, & Tyagi, 2020). e
techniques employed in the preparation of NePCM have a direct impact
on the thermo-physical properties of the material, depending on factors
such as the size, weight percentage, and distribution of the nanoparticles.
For instance, incorporating nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity,
such as graphene, signicantly enhances the thermal conductivity of
the material. Similarly, porous materials like expanded graphite (EG)
not only improve thermal conductivity but also enhance shape stability
(Chaudhuri, Chaudhuri, & Joydhar, 2022; Singh et al., 2022). Similarly,
support materials such as epoxy resin play an eective role in enhancing
mechanical strength. However, the addition of nanoparticles may reduce

222 International Research and Evaluations in the Field of Engineering
the latent heat capacity of NePCM. erefore, it is crucial to design NePCM
in a way that not only improves thermal conductivity but also maintains
shape stability and exibility.
An appropriate NePCM design for BTMS applications should not only
deliver high thermal performance but also ensure a form-stable structure
to prevent leakage and support exibility. In this context, NePCM
preparation methods represent a signicant area of research, focusing
on enhancing the long-term performance and widespread commercial
applicability of these materials.
5. Conslusions
is study explored the eects of nano-enhanced phase change
materials (NePCM) and their performance and potential applications
in thermal management systems. NePCM oer signicant advantages
over traditional PCMs due to their improved thermal conductivity and
accelerated phase change processes. e ndings indicate that the addition
of nanoparticles enhances both heat transfer rates and thermal stability,
although certain limitations exist in properties such as shape stability
and latent heat. e integration of additives like graphene, CuO, Al2O3,
and expanded graphite into PCMs has increased the energy eciency of
thermal management systems and resulted in more uniform temperature
distribution.
e literature extensively examines the impact of various preparation
techniques and nanoparticle ratios on the performance of NePCM.
However, the need for cost-eective, sustainable, and long-lasting system
designs remains a key focus. Overall, this study highlights the applicability
of NePCM not only in battery thermal management but also in a wide
range of areas, including energy savings in buildings, electronics cooling,
food preservation, and solar energy applications.
In light of all these ndings, the following suggestions can be oered
to guide future studies:
· Additives such as graphene, expanded graphite, carbon nanotubes
(CNT), CuO, and Al2O3 can be used at varying concentrations to examine
changes in thermal conductivity, latent heat, and specic heat values. For
instance, the eects of nanoparticle ratios ranging from 0.5% to 5% can
be evaluated.
· e physical and chemical stability of NePCM should be
investigated over multiple heating and cooling cycles. ermal fatigue
tests can be used to evaluate material performance degradation.

223
International Research and Evaluations in the Field of Engineering
· Research should focus on additives capable of functioning across
wide temperature ranges while minimizing the eects of supercooling.
For example, support materials like epoxy resin, known for enhancing
mechanical strength, could be tested in various systems.
· Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses can be utilized
to model the phase change behavior, temperature distribution, and heat
transfer mechanisms of NePCM. Models such as the enthalpy-porosity
method are particularly suitable.
· Optimization methods like the Taguchi method or genetic
algorithms can be applied to understand the impact of nanoparticle
distribution on thermal performance. ese approaches can identify the
ideal combinations of additive ratios and preparation techniques.
· Numerical models incorporating parameters such as phase
change temperatures, nanoparticle concentration, and PCM density
should be developed to predict the performance of energy storage systems
under real operating conditions.
· Hybrid combinations of carbon-based and metal oxide-based
nanoparticles could yield better results in terms of thermal conductivity
and shape stability. Experiments could, for instance, focus on graphene-
CuO or CNT-Al2O3 combinations.
· e compatibility of PCMs with nanoparticles derived from
natural bers or biological materials could be explored.
· Methods that enhance thermal conductivity while preserving
latent heat capacity should be investigated. For instance, the porous
structure of expanded graphite could simultaneously improve heat
transfer and shape stability.
· e eects of nucleating additives that eliminate supercooling
should be tested.
· e recyclability and environmental impact of NePCM should be
assessed, prioritizing sustainability.
ese recommendations, through the combined use of experimental
and numerical approaches, will enhance the energy eciency of NePCM,
optimize their performance across various applications, and support their
commercial viability.

224 International Research and Evaluations in the Field of Engineering
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