# Heat-Storing Seaweed Materials Swansea University Develops a Material That Stores Heat for Reuse By Kanesa D | Published 2024-01-30 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swansea-university References: [phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2023-06-scientists-seaweed-material-reuse.html) & [specific-ikc.uk](https://specific-ikc.uk/)  In collaboration with the [University of Bath](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-sharjah), researchers at Swansea University's SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge [Centre](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/singtel-centre-of-excellence) achieved a significant feat in thermal storage with innovative materials. Leveraging alginate, a cost-effective, abundant, and non-toxic seaweed derivative, the team demonstrates scalability and versatility for various applications. The process involves dissolving sodium alginate, incorporating expanded graphite, and employing two gelation methods: freezing in a mold or drop-casting into thermochemical calcium salt. Compared to previous materials like vermiculite, these alginate-based beads showcase a remarkable fourfold improvement in heat storage capacity. The beads are efficiently packed in a fixed bed that ensures optimal airflow, allowing the same heat energy storage capacity in just a quarter of the volume. This aspect marks a significant stride in [thermal storage research](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunshare-technology). Image Credit: SPECIFIC, Swansea University ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 21% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Thermal Storage Materials:** Swansea University develops heat-storing materials using alginate, showcasing a fourfold improvement in heat storage capacity compared to previous materials. - **Scalable Heat Storage Solutions:** The use of alginate-based beads in thermal storage allows for efficient packing in a fixed bed, optimizing airflow and reducing the storage volume needed. - **Versatile Applications of Thermal Storage:** The innovative alginate-based materials offer versatility for various applications and demonstrate potential for disruptive innovation in thermal storage solutions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Renewable Energy:** The development of heat-storing materials using alginate presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in renewable energy solutions. - **Construction:** Scalable and efficient thermal storage solutions with alginate-based materials can drive disruptive innovation in the construction industry, improving energy efficiency. - **Energy Storage:** The use of alginate-based materials for thermal storage has the potential to disrupt the energy storage industry by offering more efficient and cost-effective solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Shrimp Waste Carbon Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-sharjah.md) - [Tunable Insulating Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squid-skin.md) - [Squid-Inspired Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heatregulating-materials.md) - [Fungal Foam Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mattress-foam.md) - [Seaweed Packaging Developments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pa-consulting.md) - [Sand-Based Electric Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polar-night-energy.md) - [Frozen Seaweed Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaweed-cubes.md) - [Crustacean-Based Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crab-shell-batteries.md) - [3D-Printed Seaweed Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelp-chair.md)