ARCI has developed a nano-composite phase change material that significantly improves thermal energy storage performance for solar and industrial energy systems.
Researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institution under India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a scalable process for producing a spinel nano-composite phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage applications.
The research team, led by Dr. Mani Karthik, used a co-precipitation method to produce spinel-type metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled particle size and high thermal stability.
According to the study, adding 1% spinel oxide nanoparticles to conventional PCM increased the material’s specific heat capacity by up to 45%, significantly improving its ability to store thermal energy.
Researchers attributed the performance improvement to enhanced nanoparticle dispersion within the PCM, which increases surface energy and strengthens heat storage capability.
The technology is designed for use in thermal energy storage (TES) systems, particularly in concentrated solar power (CSP) projects and industrial waste heat recovery applications. ARCI stated that the improved material could reduce storage tank size, lower construction material requirements, and cut overall capital and operational costs.
The research has been published in Materials Today Chemistry and is expected to support India’s clean energy goals and the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative through advancements in domestic energy storage technologies.