Effect of SiO₂ on the thermal stability of carbonate/MgO composite for thermal energy storage

In this paper, a novel carbonate/MgO composite for high temperature thermal storage was prepared by doping nano-SiO₂. Na₂CO₃-K₂CO₃ eutectic salt was used as the phase change material. The long-term stability of the samples was tested by holding at 750°C for a period of time. The differential thermal analysis calorimeter, X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope were employed to detected the possible influences of constant high temperature on thermal properties. The results showed that the doped nano-SiO2 particles can restrain high temperature molten salt loss and improve the stability of the composite in both structure and thermal properties.