Biomimetic phase change materials for extreme thermal management

Benefiting from the light-capturing function of black surface and energy storage function of antifreeze proteins, antifreeze beetles are capable of surviving in extreme environments. Inspired by the smart thermal management system integrating photothermal conversion and thermal energy storage functions of antifreeze beetles, recently, Du et al. infiltrated organic phase change materials (PCMs) into MXene/bacterial cellulose hybrid aerogels (AGs) for photothermal conversion and thermal energy storage. The marriage of AGs for thermal insulation and AG-based composite PCMs for photothermal conversion and storage can be applied to synergistic thermal management in extreme environments. Benefiting from the light-capturing function of black surface and energy storage function of antifreeze proteins, antifreeze beetles are capable of surviving in extreme environments. Inspired by the smart thermal management system integrating photothermal conversion and thermal energy storage functions of antifreeze beetles, recently, Du et al. infiltrated organic phase change materials (PCMs) into MXene/bacterial cellulose hybrid aerogels (AGs) for photothermal conversion and thermal energy storage. The marriage of AGs for thermal insulation and AG-based composite PCMs for photothermal conversion and storage can be applied to synergistic thermal management in extreme environments. MXene aerogel-based phase change film for synergistic thermal management inspired by antifreeze beetlesJi et al.Cell Reports Physical ScienceMarch 16, 2022In BriefThe thermal regulation of antifreeze beetles relies on light absorption by black surfaces and energy storage by antifreeze proteins (AFPs), allowing them to survive extreme weather. Ji et al. demonstrate the energy storage behavior of AFPs and fabricate a surface-modified aerogel-based phase change film, achieving bioinspired thermal management behavior through the integration of photothermal-conversion and thermal storage. Full-Text PDF Open Access