Advanced 3D-printed phase change materials

3D printing strategies provide flexible solutions for complex and programmable thermal management versatile material integration. 3D-printed composite phase change materials (PCMs) can overcome shape limitations optimize structures to construct object designs effective management. Recently in Matter, Emily B. Pentzer et al. creatively proposed a facile strategy print PCM-filled inks with excellent regulation capacity via direct ink writing (DIW) technology without requiring prior encapsulation of PCMs. This approach simplified manufacturing process reduced costs facilitates the production PCMs geometries retrofitting current buildings containing energy storage materials. Main textHeating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems are most commonly used method temperature residential commercial buildings. However, continuing problems HVAC have led research on alternative technologies. as an additive is capable multi-scale, multi-material, multi-functional three-dimensional ultra-high precision flexibility. expected facilitate integration nanoencapsulated advanced conceptual devices. The popular usually composed nanoporous supporting PCMs, thus guaranteeing their stability, leak-proof capability, customizable thermal/electrical conductivity.1Chen X. Tang Z. Liu P. Gao H. Chang Y. Wang G. Smart utilization multifunctional metal oxides materials.Matter. 2020; 3: 708-741Abstract Full Text PDF Scopus (48) Google Scholar,2Chen Dong W. Li A. Optimization storage, transfer, conversion utilization.Energy Environ. Sci. 13: 4498-4535Crossref Scholar Recently, related devices been developing toward intelligence, multi-functionality, flexibility, refinement. Specifically, freely designed shapes definitely smarter management, wearable devices, memory lumped still big challenge because traditional techniques limited post-impregnation strategies.3Aftab Huang Wu Liang Mahmood Zou R. Nanoconfined applications.Energy 2018; 11: 1392-1424Crossref Scholar,4Shchukina E.M. Graham M. Zheng Shchukin D.G. Nanoencapsulation systems.Chem. Soc. Rev. 47: 4156-4175Crossref PubMed Attractively, offer Different from methods, produce shape-changing leakage, which important step application devices.Direct has widespread prospects printing. Actually, designing viscoelastic shear-thinning behavior critical during extrusion-based process.5Ma J. Ma T. Cheng Zhang printable, recyclable adjustable comb/bottlebrush polysiloxane networks sustainable storage.Energy Storage Mater. 2021; 39: 294-304Crossref (23) If viscosity, surface tension, shear yield stress, elasticity, loss modulus be adjusted appropriately, will possible. Currently, numerous concentrated nanomaterial dispersions, such graphene oxide MXene, developed DIW due extraordinary high viscoelasticity.6Zhang Zhu F. Stadler F.J. Yang Hong S. Xing Interfacial jamming reinforced Pickering emulgel arbitrary architected nanocomposite connected matrix.Nat. Commun. 12: 111Crossref (16) incorporated into printable matrix (such MXene), corresponding shine photothermal storage. More interestingly, performance improved by optimizing combination nanomaterials geometry. For example, octadecane/graphene microlattices bean pod structure light propagation throughout microlattices, realizing rapid collection transfer solar energy.7Yang Jia Niu Lv Fu D. Q. Bean-pod-inspired solar-thermal harvesting storage.Small. 17: e2101093Crossref (18) ScholarAdvanced building infrastructure benefiting technology. provides platform facilitating Advanced based passive control heating cooling reduce losses, great strategic importance.8Song Mao N. Hu Deng Review improvement using materials.Energy Build. 158: 776-793Crossref (231) al.9Wei Cipriani C.E. E.B. Thermal printed polymer-phase composites.Matter. 4: 1975-1989Abstract (19) technique that utilized spherical PCM particles viscosity modifier photocurable, resin matrix. beads were prepared being emulsified at temperature, dispersed commercially available acrylate resins, printed, cured UV light. As shown Figure 1A, purposes modifying rheology imparting function. Photopolymerization realized elastic sealing use shell Based this design concept, successfully (up 63% PCMs) virtually no leakage multiple melting solidifying cycles. In addition, different transition temperatures (eicosane, paraffin, hexatriacontane) simultaneously integrated compromising integrity. rheological properties conducted preliminary evaluation stress loading levels printability. Incorporating imparted behavior, i.e., decreases increasing rate. Generally, increase filler concentration enhanced but had little influence magnitude indicating formulated attain optimal thixotropic sheared extrusion process. Increasing level strengthen improves ink’s ability maintain its after extrusion. indiscriminately cause granular fail form uniform paste. Therefore, upper limit exists compositions.As well known, solid-liquid suffer integrity volume melting. solution microencapsulation Such rigid microcapsules monolithic structures.10Zhu Wei Lei A review applications shape-stabilized embedded enclosure recent ten years.Sustain. Cities 43: 251-264Crossref (70) negative impact density. work, harnesses advantages eliminates inherent issues (fluid upon change) incorporation materials, simplifying range another single Since formulation not dependent chemical ink, allowing wider operating window promoting capability. Ultimately, authors hollow house models serving buffers Compared houses PCM-based mitigated fluctuations 10% lower 40% higher (Figure 1B). does require before they thereby off-the-shelf structural achieve reducing costs.Generally, study shows how encapsulate adaptability makes compatible wide photopolymer matrices adjusting desired density needs further boost Selecting appropriate key development high-performance Priority should given suitable reach ambient human comfort, larger latent heat store or release more Enhanced conductivity, reversibility, small amounts expansion contraction also considered. preparation simplified. Future efforts aim balance mechanical properties, density, practical engineering enabling satisfy technical requirements. conclusion, offers objects geometries, it allows existing It noteworthy there fewer reported reliable efficient highly desirable explore implement requirements scalable manufacturing, Heating, Direct compositions. costs. acknowledge funding National Natural Science Foundation China (No. 51902025 ), Fundamental Research Funds Central Universities 2019NTST29 Postdoctoral 2020T130060 2019M660520 ). compositesWei al.MatterApril 12, 2021In BriefIn US, 20% consumed active work incorporating (PCMs), absorb temperatures, reproduce architectural features, PCM-containing produced minimize potential easily retrofit Full-Text Open Archive