cross-section morphology of the Ga microcapsules at each stage were
observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM; JEOL, JSM-7001FA),
and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was performed
to investigate the elemental distribution of the cross-section. The
cross-section of the microcapsule was prepared using a cross-section
polisher (CP, JEOL cross-section polisher). The chemical and phase
compositions of the MEPCM were determined via X-ray diffraction (XRD,
Rigaku Miniflex600, D/teX Ultra2, Cu Kα). The weight change
and temperature response during calcination were characterized using
a Mettler Toledo TG/DSC 3+ thermogravimetry (TG) device. The heat
storage capacity and phase change characteristics of the MEPCM were
measured using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyzer
(DSC-823e, Mettler Toledo) under an Ar atmosphere at a heating and
cooling rate of 1 K·min–1. The durability testing
of the MEPCM was also performed via DSC, wherein Ga-MEPCM samples
were cyclically heated and cooled from 50 to −50 °C to
simulate practical melting–solidification thermal cycles. After
durability testing, the sample was also measured via DSC and SEM/EDS
to investigate its performance.