Phase-Change Millicapsules with Highly Conductive and Adsorptive Radial Frameworks for Efficient Thermal Energy Management

Youngkyun Jung; Su-Jin Yoon; Yurim Park; Sarng Woo Karng; Jae-Woo Choi

doi:10.1016/j.eng.2025.08.030

Engineering ›› DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2025.08.030

review-article

Phase-Change Millicapsules with Highly Conductive and Adsorptive Radial Frameworks for Efficient Thermal Energy Management

Youngkyun Jung ^a^,^#
, Su-Jin Yoon ^a^,^#
, Yurim Park ^a^,^b
, Sarng Woo Karng ^c^,^*
, Jae-Woo Choi ^a^,^d^,^*

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Abstract

In conventional thermal energy network (TEN) systems, heat loss and fouling in long pipelines reduce energy efficiency and hinder sustainable operation. Phase-change capsules (PCCs) are promising dispersoids for flexible energy storage and delivery; however, their thin shells compromise structural stability, limiting their fabrication to the micro- or nano-scale and restricting practical applications. Herein, we introduce hydrophilic milliscale PCCs (HMPCCs) as a pragmatic solution for efficient thermal energy delivery and antifouling in TENs. HMPCCs feature a thin shell and internal three-dimensional radially conductive and adsorptive frameworks with hierarchical pores (80 % porosity), which provide enhanced thermal conductivity; a high adsorption capacity for Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Fe³⁺ ions; and efficient phase-change material encapsulation without leakage. Incorporating clinoptilolite nanoparticles into the HMPCCs further increases the thermal conductivity, supplements the adsorption capability for Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions, and optimizes the bulk density for stable dispersion in water. HMPCCs achieved 100 % removal efficiency for scaling cations (0.1–1.0 mg L^–1) and exhibited excellent durability, maintaining structural integrity after 1000 phase-change cycles. A thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous, and thermodynamically favorable. Regeneration via low-energy desorption ensures its reusability and economic viability. These findings suggest that HMPCCs represent a scalable and sustainable solution for advanced TEN applications and have outstanding thermal management and antifouling capabilities.

Keywords

Phase-change materials / Millimeter-scale capsules / 3D center–radial frameworks / Antifouling / Thermal energy storage / Thermal energy network

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Youngkyun Jung, Su-Jin Yoon, Yurim Park, Sarng Woo Karng, Jae-Woo Choi. Phase-Change Millicapsules with Highly Conductive and Adsorptive Radial Frameworks for Efficient Thermal Energy Management. Engineering DOI:10.1016/j.eng.2025.08.030

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