Dr Veerakumar Chinnasamy, Assistant professor, Department of Centre for Inter Disciplinary Research in collaboration with Professor Honghyun Cho and Jeongho Park, presents a study titled “Microwave-assisted one-pot preparation and the thermal behavior investigation of expanded graphite/boron nitride shape-stabilized composite phase change material,” published in the Journal of Energy Storage (2026) with  9.8 Impact factor.

As high-performance electronics and electric vehicles become integral to everyday life, managing the heat they generate has emerged as a critical engineering challenge. Inefficient thermal regulation not only reduces performance but also poses serious safety risks, particularly in energy-dense systems such as lithium-ion batteries. Addressing this growing concern, the present research introduces an energy-efficient, microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis of shape-stabilized composite phase change materials (SSCPCMs) designed for advanced thermal energy storage and management applications.

Brief abstract of the research

In this work, we presented an energy-efficient microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis of shape-stabilized composite phase change materials (SSCPCMs) utilizing eicosane, expanded graphite (EG), and boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles to address the demand for high-performance thermal energy storage. By integrating the high thermal conductivity of EG’s porous matrix with the thermal stability of BN, we produced multifunctional composites that exhibit a high latent heat of 253.3 kJ/kg and a significantly improved thermal conductivity of 4.5 W/mK. Morphological and thermogravimetric analyses confirm that the BN nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed and the eicosane is effectively contained, ensuring excellent chemical integrity and shape retention even at elevated temperatures. These findings demonstrate that the tunable thermal properties and structural durability of our SSCPCMs, combined with a simplified manufacturing process, offer an effective solution for advanced applications, including electric-vehicle battery cooling and portable-electronics thermal management.

Explanation of the research 

As electronics and electric vehicles become more powerful, they generate substantial heat, which can cause them to slow down or even fail. To address this, we developed a new material that functions as a thermal sponge: it can absorb excess heat, store it, and release it when needed to maintain device temperature within safe limits. Using a rapid, energy-efficient microwave cooking method, we combined a wax-like material (eicosane) with a carbon-based framework (expanded graphite) and nanoparticles (boron nitride). The result is a solid composite that doesn’t leak or lose its shape even when it’s working hard. This material conducts heat much faster than standard options, making it a perfect fit for keeping electric vehicle batteries cool and helping portable gadgets last longer and run more safely.

Practical implementation of your research or the social implications associated with it

The practical implementation of this research focuses on enhancing the safety and efficiency of modern energy systems. By providing a more effective means of managing heat, these materials bridge the gap between high-performance technology and thermal safety.

• Electric vehicle battery packs: The material can be placed between battery cells to absorb the massive heat generated during rapid charging or high-speed driving, preventing “thermal runaway” or fires.
• Portable electronics: In smartphones and laptops, these composites can be used as heat sinks to prevent CPUs from throttling (slowing down) due to overheating, thereby enabling consistent high-speed performance.
• Accelerating green transit: Improving battery safety and lifespan addresses two of the most significant consumer concerns regarding electric vehicles, potentially accelerating the global transition away from fossil-fuel-powered cars.
• Energy efficiency: The microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis used to produce these materials is significantly faster and consumes less electricity than conventional industrial heating, thereby reducing the manufacturing process’s carbon footprint.

Collaborations

• Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, 522240, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chosun University, 10, Chosundae 1-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea

Future research plans

• Thermal property tuning and cyclic durability testing
• Hybrid filler systems
• Industrial scale-up and life cycle assessment

The link to the article

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352152X26000794