Robust, Versatile Access to Quasi-Monodispersed Phase Change Sub-Microcapsules via Ab Initio Emulsion Polymerization

The phase change sub-microcapsules (PCMCs) with the particle size of 100 nm to 1 μm have a great application potential in the field of hybrid materials for solar energy storage, while the preparation of PCMCs remains challenging without ultrasonic treatment and high-speed (>1000 rpm) homogenization. Herein, PCMCs with readily tunable phase change properties are prepared via facile, robust ab initio emulsion polymerization. The PCMCs present the quasi-monodispersed particle morphologies with the tunable particle size from 159 to 383 nm depending on the loading content of acrylic acid and the free surfactant. The latent heat density and phase change temperature of the PCMCs can be tuned from 66.6 to 115.2 J/g and from 20.8 to 65.4 °C, respectively, depending on the loading content and the type of phase change cores. The PCMCs confirm the latent heat efficiency of about 1, the high thermal reliability, and the high shape stability. The PCMCs can be functionalized by polyaniline coatings with an efficient photothermal effect. The robust, versatile approach to functionalized PCMCs can provide an alternative opportunity for the development of the next-generation smart thermal energy materials.