High Latent-Heat, Soft yet Robust Crystalline Salogels via Dual-Network Design and Solvent Engineering

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Thermal Engineering

Background:

• Solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) are crucial for thermal energy storage but face challenges like melting leakage and rigidity.
• Existing PCMs often lack the necessary flexibility and mechanical robustness for practical, widespread applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize flexible, high-latent heat PCMs with improved mechanical properties and thermal management capabilities.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional PCMs by developing intrinsically soft and tough crystalline materials.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization was employed to create dual polymer networks combined with inorganic salt hydrates, forming crystalline salogels.
• The strategy leveraged strong polymer-ion-water interactions and incorporated excess water to create a solvated polymer network within the salt hydrates.
• Characterization included mechanical testing (softness, strength, toughness) and thermal performance evaluation (latent heat, thermal resistance).

Main Results:

• The prepared crystalline salogels exhibited high energy density (179-209 J g⁻¹) and excellent mechanical properties (ultra-soft, strong, and tough).
• Low contact thermal resistance (0.03 cm² K W⁻¹) was achieved, facilitating efficient heat transfer.
• Fabricated thermal management devices demonstrated effective thermal regulation through both phase-change heat absorption and hygroscopicity-driven moisture absorption, reducing lab suit temperature by 10°C.

Conclusions:

• The developed crystalline salogels offer a promising solution for advanced thermal management applications requiring flexibility and robustness.
• This approach provides a guideline for designing cost-effective, high-performance salogels from salt hydrates.
• The dual functionality of heat and moisture management enhances their potential for wearable thermal regulation systems.