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Incorporating support structures into solid–liquid phase change materials (SLPCMs) addresses fluid dynamics challenges during phase transitions, albeit at the cost of reduced phase change enthalpy. We propose a novel approach for developing self-sustaining, porous phase change materials. This process begins with the fabrication of self-sustaining poly(acrylic acid) octadecyl ester aerogels through cross-linking polymerization and thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) followed by ambient drying to shape the aerogel. This aerogel demonstrates exceptional energy storage capacity, impressive room-temperature elasticity, and significant load-bearing strength. Leveraging this aerogel as a scaffold, we employ a 'one-step' technique to produce phase change gels (PCGs). This method, in which EI functions both as a solvent and as SLPCMs, yields PCGs with a high latent heat capacity of 192 J g−1, outstanding phase change elasticity, and structural stability, proving highly effective in photoelectric thermal management. Notably, the 'one-step' process for fabricating self-supporting PCGs circumvents conventional steps like solvent extraction and phase change material absorption in traditional porous foam production. This simplification streamlines manufacturing and facilitates the large-scale production of phase change materials that are morphologically stable, possess high latent heat, and exhibit superior mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using nanoencapsulated phase change materials (NanoPCMs) for thermal energy storage has great application prospects in addressing the mismatch issues between energy supply and demand. However, the rapid, large-scale preparation of NanoPCMs is a challenge. Here, we developed a facile, efficient, green, and continuous method for the ultrafast preparation of NanoPCMs for energy storage using microwave-assisted polymerization with cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate) and the PCM n-octadecane utilized as the shell and core materials, respectively. Sodium chloride (NaCl) acted as a microwave sensitizer and synergized with emulsifier to control the particle size of the NanoPCMs. Through orthogonal experiments, we investigated the effects of microwave power, temperature, and polymerization time on the properties of the NanoPCMs. The optimum conditions were 1.0 wt% NaCl, 60 °C, 10 min, and 600 W. The resulting NanoPCMs with uniform, spherical, core–shell structures were successfully utilized as thermal energy storage materials. The encapsulation efficiency was 50.8% and the NanoPCMs exhibited a particle size of ca. 95 nm, a high latent heat storage capacity of ca. 114.9 J g−1, and good thermal stability. In particular, the reaction time was greatly reduced from 12 h to 10 min, 100 times faster than conventional hydrothermal polymerization. Based on these parameters, the continuous, efficient production of microwave-assisted NanoPCMs was realized through reactor design, laying a foundation for the commercial production of NanoPCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]