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Ternary Phase Diagram and Microstructures of Coordination Polymers
Karnjana Atthawilai1, Hiroyasu Tabe2, Mami Isobe2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, Rayong 21210, Thailand.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a ternary phase diagram for novel coordination polymers (CPs)/metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These materials exhibit reversible solid-liquid phase transitions, showing promise as latent heat-storage materials with high energy recovery.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Crystallography
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Coordination polymers (CPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable properties for various applications.
- Understanding phase behavior in multi-component systems is crucial for developing advanced materials.
- Solid-liquid phase transitions are key for energy storage applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a ternary phase diagram for three specific CPs/MOFs: Ag(GN)2(BF4), Ag(PN)2(BF4), and Ag(AN)2(BF4).
- To elucidate the microstructures and phase transition behaviors of these ternary materials.
- To evaluate their potential as latent heat-storage materials.
Main Methods:
- Development of a ternary phase diagram by combining binary phase diagrams.
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for evaluating phase transitions.
- Variable-temperature Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) for structural analysis.
Main Results:
- A ternary phase diagram was established, detailing phase transitions of the CPs/MOFs.
- The eutectic temperature (Te) was determined to be 65 °C at a specific composition (10.28 20.30 30.42).
- The material exhibited reversible solid-liquid phase transitions without forming glasses, with a branched microstructure upon solidification at 45 °C.
Conclusions:
- The studied ternary CPs/MOFs are suitable for latent heat-storage applications, storing heat at 65 °C.
- High crystallinity and reversible phase transitions lead to excellent energy recovery (94%) and cycle stability.
- The developed phase diagram provides a foundation for designing and utilizing these materials in thermal energy storage systems.
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