RT Journal Article
T1 Effect of nanoparticle concentration on non-aqueous paraffin pickering emulsions in PEG400 for efficient thermal energy storage
A1 Sanabria Sanabria, Sebastián
A1 Delgado Sánchez, Clara
A1 Tenorio Alfonso, Adrián
A1 Cuadri Vega, Antonio Abad
A1 Navarro Domínguez, Francisco Javier
AB The development of non-aqueous phase change material emulsions (PCMEs) for thermal energy storage holds significant potential, as it enables the extension of the operating temperature range beyond the freezing and boiling points of water. Nevertheless, achieving stable and processable formulations remains a significant challenge. In this regard, this research presents the formulation and characterization of anhydrous Pickering emulsions, in which a selected paraffin (melting point 58–60 °C) serves both as the dispersed phase and as the phase change material (PCM), while polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) constitutes the continuous phase. The emulsions were stabilized with hydrophobized pyrogenic silica nanoparticles, and the influence of nanoparticles concentration on emulsion morphology, rheology, and thermal properties was evaluated. Characterization techniques included optical microscopy, steady-state flow measurements, oscillatory tests, and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). The results demonstrate that the nanoparticles successfully stabilize the emulsions and enhance their rheological properties, which is attributed to internal structuring mechanisms. Additionally, only minimal supercooling was detected in the samples. Overall, the formulated emulsions exhibit tuneable properties and offer a promising platform for the design of PCME systems capable of stable operation at elevated temperatures, including applications in solar–thermal energy capture.
PB Elsevier
SN 2451-9049 (electrónico)
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10272/28284
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10272/28284
LA eng
NO Sanabria, S., Delgado-Sánchez, C., Tenorio-Alfonso, A., Cuadri, A. A., & Navarro, F. J. (2026). Effect of nanoparticle concentration on non-aqueous paraffin pickering emulsions in PEG400 for efficient thermal energy storage. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 73, 104682. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2026.104682
NO This work is part of the projects PID2023-151306OB-I00 and PDC2025-166144-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, EU. Adrián Tenorio and Clara Delgado also acknowledge financial support from Junta de Andalucía through the post-doctoral Grants POSTDOC_21_00644 and EMERGIA DGP_EMEC_2023_00091, respectively. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva / CBUA.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
RD 14 jul 2026