Thermochemical behavior of synthetic α-Al(OH)3 based materials for thermal energy storage applications

Aim of this work was therefore to synthesize and subsequently study the thermochemical behavior of α-Al(OH)3 when it is subjected to dehydration-hydration cycles. Then, in order to improve the conversion efficiency, in terms of reacted fraction, hybrid materials were prepared with the intention to increase the specific surface area, through exfoliated graphite, and provide a hygroscopic tendency, with calcium chloride (CaCl2). The thermochemical behavior of the materials, in charge-discharge cycles, was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and the interpretation of the obtained data was supported by morphological and structural characterisation before and after the treatments.