Integrating MXene Film With Recyclable Polyethylene Glycol-co-Polyphosphazene Copolymer as Solid-Solid Phase Change...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Phase-change materials (PCMs) are crucial for thermal energy storage but conventional solid-liquid PCMs face leakage issues.
• Developing solid-solid PCMs with improved stability and functionality is essential for advanced thermal management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel solid-solid phase-change material (PCM) with enhanced properties.
• To integrate the PCM with MXene film for a multifunctional composite.
• To evaluate the composite's performance in thermal management and other applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a Zn2+-crosslinked polyethylene glycol-co-polyphosphazene copolymer (PCEPN-Zn) as a solid-solid PCM.
• Fabricated a double-layered phase-change composite by adhering PCEPN-Zn onto an MXene film.
• Characterized the composite's thermal stability, latent heat capacity, self-healing, adhesivity, and flame-retardant performance.

Main Results:

• The PCEPN-Zn/MXene composite exhibited high latent-heat capacity, excellent thermal stability, and shape stability.
• The composite demonstrated superior self-healing, recyclability, high adhesivity, and flame-retardant properties.
• The material could be easily adhered to various surfaces, indicating versatile applicability.

Conclusions:

• The developed solid-solid phase-change composite overcomes the limitations of conventional PCMs.
• The unique combination of PCEPN-Zn and MXene offers a promising solution for advanced thermal management.
• Potential applications include CPU/battery thermal management, thermal infrared stealth, heat therapy, and fire safety.