A Hydrogel-Like Form-Stable Phase Change Material With High Loading Efficiency Supported By A Three Dimensional Metal-Organic Network

We prepared a hydrogel-like polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based form-stable phase change material (FSPCM) supported by a three dimensional (3D) metal-organic network through a very simple method with low cost. The 3D network with ultrahigh molecular weight and crosslinking density has strong hydrogen bonding interaction with PEG molecules, and keeps the PEG matrix shape-stabilized even at 80 degrees C. Like hydrogels that can retain substantial water, this hydrogel-like FSPCM has a loading efficiency for PEG of 98.0 wt%, which is the highest value of PEG-based FSPCMs until now to the best of our knowledge. The latent heat values of the FSPCM are 158.4 and 165.3 J.g(-1) in the melting and solidification process respectively, showing remarkable performance for thermal energy storage. Additionally, the hydrogel-like FSPCM has excellent thermal reliability due to the stable structure and property of the 3D metal-organic network.