Recent advances in graphene-based phase change composites for thermal energy storage and management

Energy storage and conservation are receiving increased attention due to rising global energy demands.Therefore,the development of energy storage materials is crucial.Thermal energy storage(TES)systems based on phase change materials(PCMs)have increased in prominence over the past two decades,not only because of their outstanding heat storage capacities but also their superior thermal energy regulation capability.However,issues such as leakage and low thermal conductivity limit their applicability in a variety of settings.Carbon-based materials such as graphene and its derivatives can be utilized to surmount these obstacles.This study examines the recent advancements in graphene-based phase change composites(PCCs),where graphene-based nanostructures such as graphene,graphene oxide(GO),functionalized graphene/GO,and graphene aerogel(GA)are incorporated into PCMs to substantially enhance their shape stability and thermal conductivity that could be translated to better storage capacity,durability,and temperature response,thus boosting their attractiveness for TES systems.In addition,the applications of these graphene-based PCCs in various TES disciplines,such as energy conservation in buildings,solar utilization,and battery thermal management,are discussed and summarized.

Bottom-Up Engineering Strategies for High-Performance Thermoelectric Materials

The recent advancements in thermoelectric materials are largely credited to two factors,namely established physical theories and advanced materials engineering methods.The developments in the physical theories have come a long way from the“phonon glass electron crystal”paradigm to the more recent band convergence and nanostructuring,which consequently results in drastic improvement in the thermoelectric figure of merit value.On the other hand,the progresses in materials fabrication methods and processing technologies have enabled the discovery of new physical mechanisms,hence further facilitating the emergence of high-performance thermoelectric materials.In recent years,many comprehensive review articles are focused on various aspects of thermoelectrics ranging from thermoelectric materials,physical mechanisms and materials process techniques in particular with emphasis on solid state reactions.While bottom-up approaches to obtain thermoelectric materials have widely been employed in thermoelectrics,comprehensive reviews on summarizing such methods are still rare.In this review,we will outline a variety of bottom-up strategies for preparing high-performance thermoelectric materials.In addition,state-of-art,challenges and future opportunities in this domain will be commented.

Polyethylene glycol/polylactic acid block co‐polymers as solid–solid phase change materials

Phase change materials(PCMs)are promising thermal energy storage materials due to their high specific latent heat.Conventional PCMs typically exploit the solid–liquid(s–l)transition.However,leakage and leaching are common issues for solid–liquid PCMs,which have to be addressed before usage in practical applications.In contrast,solid–solid(s–s)PCMs would naturally overcome these issues due to their inherent form stability and homogeneity.In this study,we report a new type of s–s PCM based on chemically linked polyethylene glycol(PEG,the PCM portion)with polylactic acid(PLA,the support portion)in the form of a block co‐polymer.Solid‐solid latent heat of up to 56 J/g could be achieved,with melting points of between 44°C and 55°C.For comparison,PEG was physically mixed into a PLA matrix to form a PEG:PLA composite.However,the composite material saw leakage of up to 9%upon heating,with a corresponding loss in thermal storage capacity.In contrast,the mPEG/PLA block co‐polymers were found to be completely homogeneous and thermally stable even when heated above its phase transition temperature,with no observable leakage,demonstrating the superiority of chemical linking strategies in ensuring form stability.

Face Masks in the New COVID-19 Normal: Materials, Testing,and Perspectives

The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases in recent decades has posed a serious threat to public health.Routes of transmission differ,but the respiratory droplet or airborne route has the greatest potential to disrupt social intercourse,while being amenable to prevention by the humble facemask.Different types of masks give different levels of protection to the user.The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has even resulted in a global shortage of face masks and the raw materials that go into them,driving individuals to self-produce masks from household items.At the same time,research has been accelerated towards improving the quality and performance of face masks,e.g.,by introducing properties such as antimicrobial activity and superhydrophobicity.This review will cover mask-wearing from the public health perspective,the technical details of commercial and home-made masks,and recent advances in mask engineering,disinfection,and materials and discuss the sustainability of mask-wearing and mask production into the future.