Thermally-stable, solid-solid phase change materials based on dynamic metal-ligand coordination for efficient thermal energy storage

Abstract

• A novel SSPCM based on dynamic metal-ligand bonds was successfully prepared. • The devised DS-PCMs can be reprocessed in two simple and convenient ways. • The DS-PCMs have superior energy storage ability and thermoplastic performance. Thermal energy storage offers enormous potential for the development of modern energy technologies. Solid-solid phase-change materials (SSPCMs) have drawn great attention due to their efficient energy utilization and excellent thermal stability. However, it is still a challenge to synthesize SSPCMs capable of the intriguing properties of reprocessability and recyclability. Herein, we reported an effective strategy to construct dynamic cross-linked SSPCMs, namely DS-PCMs, through incorporating reversible metal-ligand coordination. The synthesized DS-PCMs can keep in a solid state during the phase change process with a high latent heat storage capacity of up to 99.3 J/g. Especially, the energy storage capacity, chemical structure and thermal stability of the reprocessed DS-PCMs can be consistent with that of original one after being reprocessed by hot pressing and ultrasound-assisted water solution casting. Additionally, these DS-PCMs have repeatable thermo-plasticity to manipulate permanent various 3D shapes without complex molds. Briefly, these designed DS-PCMs simultaneously have excellent stability, dual reprocessability, and reconfigurable thermoplastic performance. Our works provide a facile design strategy to prepare reprocessable SSPCMs, unlocking opportunities for the sustainable use of phase change materials.