Hybrid nanocomposite of vanadium dioxide and carbon nanotubes embedded in a gypsum binder for thermal energy storage

This investigation studied the heat storage capacity of a gypsum blinder with a hybrid nanocomposite (NH) of vanadium dioxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes (VO2/MWCNT). The influence of the NH in the hydration kinetics and hydrated products was determined. The effect of the incorporated amount of NH in the wettability, mass loss by humectation-drying cycles, thermal conductivity, specific heat (Cp) and gypsum thermal performance at 40 °C was determined. Characterization techniques exhibited that the presence of VO2/MWCNT did not modify hydration kinetics and phases development, water drop angle or compressive strength. Nevertheless, gypsum blinders mass loss increased with the presence of the nanocomposite after 6 humectation-drying cycles. According to the thermal properties, it was found that the NH addition increased gypsum blinders thermal conductivity and Cp values. Finally, it was concluded that gypsum with VO2/MWCNT promotes self-thermal regulation properties without affecting its performance. The usage of VO2/MWCNT embedded in a gypsum as a construction material would provide thermal comfort conditions in buildings.