In a significant stride towards enhancing thermal energy storage (TES) technologies, researchers have developed advanced inorganic polymers that could revolutionize the solar power industry. These innovative materials, derived from construction and demolition waste (CDW), offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)-based materials, which degrade at temperatures above 400 °C.
The study, led by Ioanna Giannopoulou from the Frederick Research Center in Nicosia, Cyprus, explores the design and development of these inorganic polymers using ternary systems Na₂O-SiO₂-Al₂O₃ and K₂O-SiO₂-Al₂O₃. The research, published in the journal ‘Energies’ (which translates to ‘Energies’ in English), demonstrates that these new materials can withstand temperatures up to 700 °C, a substantial improvement over existing OPC-based solutions.
“Our findings indicate that these CDW-based inorganic polymers not only perform exceptionally well at high temperatures but also exhibit impressive thermal capacities and conductivity,” Giannopoulou explained. “This makes them highly suitable for TES applications, addressing the critical challenge of energy intermittency in solar power systems.”
The developed materials achieved compressive strengths around 20 MPa, with improvements noted up to 500 °C before a slight decrease. Their thermal capacities ranged from 600 to 1090 J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹, thermal diffusivity between 4.7–5.6 × 10⁻⁷ m² s⁻¹, and thermal conductivity from 0.6 to 1 W m⁻¹ °C⁻¹. These properties make them strong candidates for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of TES systems.
The commercial implications of this research are profound. By utilizing CDW, the new materials offer an environmentally friendly solution that reduces waste and lowers costs. This innovation could significantly improve the dispatchability of solar power, making it a more reliable and attractive energy source for both industrial and residential applications.
As the energy sector continues to seek sustainable and efficient solutions, the development of these advanced inorganic polymers represents a promising step forward. The research not only highlights the potential of CDW-based materials but also paves the way for further advancements in thermal energy storage technologies, potentially shaping the future of renewable energy systems.
Giannopoulou’s work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing global energy challenges. By combining materials science, thermodynamics, and environmental sustainability, this study offers a blueprint for future innovations in the field. As the energy sector evolves, such breakthroughs will be crucial in transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.