Leaving Glauber's Salt Island: The Road to Stabilisation

Thermal energy storage can be revolutionised by a groundbreaking stabilisation technique for Glauber’s salt, a material with great potential, yet plagued by instability. Known for its impressive latent heat capacity (234 J/g) and melting point of 34°C, Glauber’s salt is ideal for modern heating systems. However, its practical application has been stifled by severe phase separation during thermal cycling. Our innovative approach encapsulates the salt in a solid emulsion matrix, curbing decomposition and maintaining thermal properties across multiple thermal cycles (100). This breakthrough not only heralds a new era for Glauber’s salt in sustainable energy solutions but also sets precedence, extending these techniques to other salt hydrates. With this novel method, we unlock the full potential of salt hydrates, paving the way for more efficient and robust thermal energy storage systems.