Multiple H-Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Solid-Solid Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Thermal Engineering

Background:

• Solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) are key for thermal energy storage but face challenges with high TES capacity, mechanical robustness, and recyclability.
• Existing SSPCMs often rely on chemical cross-linking, limiting their reusability and performance.
• The inherent trade-off between energy storage and mechanical integrity hinders practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel supramolecular SSPCM strategy addressing the limitations of conventional materials.
• To achieve high latent heat, superior mechanical strength, and enhanced recyclability in SSPCMs.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of these SSPCMs in thermal management for high-power applications like lithium-ion batteries.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of supramolecular SSPCMs utilizing multiple hydrogen-bonding interactions as physical cross-links.
• Characterization of phase transition enthalpy, mechanical strength, and thermal stability.
• Evaluation of SSPCM performance in regulating the operating temperature of lithium-ion batteries at a 3 C discharge rate.

Main Results:

• The developed supramolecular SSPCM exhibits a high enthalpy of phase transition (142.5 J g^-1) and strong mechanical strength (36.9 MPa).
• The material demonstrates excellent shape stability, maintaining integrity at 120 °C, even with 97 wt% phase change component.
• Application in lithium-ion batteries led to a significant 23 °C reduction in operating temperature.

Conclusions:

• A straightforward strategy for fabricating high-performance supramolecular SSPCMs with excellent thermal and mechanical properties has been established.
• The H-bonding cross-linked SSPCMs overcome the traditional trade-offs, offering high latent heat and robustness.
• These advanced SSPCMs show significant potential for effective thermal management in demanding applications, particularly high-power batteries.