journal article·2026-03

Hierarchical Supramolecular Engineering of a Multifunctional Phase‐Change Material with Thermally Switchable Properties for Adaptive Thermal Management

Yao Pang, Zhikun Zhang, Lidong Li, Zhengqiang Fan, Jintao He, Xiaoyang Fang, Xueni Sun, Changlei Xia, Hongwu Guo, Yi Liu, Chenhuan Lai, Daihui Zhang

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 26
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Phase‐change materials (PCMs) are widely recognized for their excellent thermal storage performance, making them promising candidates for environmental temperature control and personal thermal management. However, it is challenging to achieve dimensional stability under complex conditions, and also maintain mechanical flexibility, interfacial adhesion, and multifunctional responsiveness. Here, we present a hierarchical and reversible supramolecular interaction‐mediated strategy to construct a multifunctional phase‐change gel (SPCG). Polyethylene glycol is encapsulated within a three‐dimensional crosslinked poly(acrylic acid‐co‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) network, while incorporating sulfonated cellulose nanofibers establishes the hierarchy of skeleton through diverse non‐covalent interactions, and markedly enhances structural integrity. The resulting SPCG demonstrates exceptional dimensional and structural stability across different phase states, with a modulus ranging from 0.014 to 62.4 MPa, remarkable flexibility of up to 419.2%, and robust, repeated adhesion (adhesion strength of 1163.5 kPa). Furthermore, its phase transition process enables efficient latent heat storage and release (132.5 J g −1 ), providing excellent thermal regulation capabilities for wearable applications. These findings demonstrate that hierarchical supramolecular engineering can simultaneously address stability, flexibility, adhesion, and multifunctional responsiveness in a single PCM system. Moreover, our strategy offers a sustainable and scalable pathway for designing advanced PCMs, paving the way for next‐generation adaptive thermal management technologies.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Phase Change Materials Research · Adsorption and Cooling Systems · Thermal properties of materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Key Laboratory of Wood Material Science and Application (Beijing Forestry University) Ministry of Education Beijing 100083 China

National Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products Chinese Academy of Forestry Nanjing Jiangsu 210042 China

Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology School of Petrochemical Engineering Changzhou University Changzhou 213164 China

Co‐Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing 210037 China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China

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