MXene aerogel-based phase change film for synergistic thermal management inspired by antifreeze beetles

Abstract

To survive extreme weather, antifreeze beetles have a smart thermal management system, which relies on light absorption by the black surface and energy storage by antifreeze proteins. Inspired by the energy storage behavior of antifreeze proteins, we design a composite film, which is fabricated via impregnation of organic phase change material (PCM) in a surface-modified MXene/bacterial-cellulose aerogel. The resulting composite aerogel-based PCM film shows an increased loading capacity of organic PCM, increased phase change latent heat, and enhanced mechanical properties. Combining these thermal insulation and thermal energy storage properties, a submillimeter-thick film with an aerogel layer can maintain a comfortable temperature range for more than 800 s. This is more than double compared to the system without the films, and is a proof of concept for bioinspired photothermal-conversion/thermal-storage integration. • The energy storage behavior of the antifreeze proteins is demonstrated • A MXene/bacterial cellulose aerogel-based phase change film is fabricated • The phase change film integrates photothermal conversion and energy storage/release • Bioinspired synergetic thermal management maintains comfortable temperature for ∼800 s The thermal regulation of antifreeze beetles relies on light absorption by black surfaces and energy storage by antifreeze proteins (AFPs), allowing them to survive extreme weather. Ji et al. demonstrate the energy storage behavior of AFPs and fabricate a surface-modified aerogel-based phase change film, achieving bioinspired thermal management behavior through the integration of photothermal-conversion and thermal storage.