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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]

[Display omitted] • Cellulose-based phase change fibres were fabricated by metal-free SI-ATRP. • This approach is both facile and environmentally friendly. • The resulting fibres exhibited high phase-change enthalpies and tensile strengths. • Cellulose-based PCFs achieved superhydrophobicity and quick-drying properties. Phase change fibres (PCFs) with excellent thermal energy storage abilities and suitable tuneable temperature properties are of high interest for not only providing human comfort but also reducing energy waste. However, the complex fabrication process and the fragility and low durability of PCFs are issues that must be addressed to widen the scope of their application. Herein, a facile, environmentally friendly, and low-cost strategy of photoinduced metal-free surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) was adopted to fabricate multifunctional cellulose-based PCFs, which were composed of cellulosic fibres as supporting materials and poly (hexadecyl acrylate) (PA16) as phase change working substances. Through UV irradiation, PA16 was covalently grafted to the surface-modified fibres and wrapped around them, which formed core-shell-like structures. The resulting PCFs exhibited high phase-change enthalpies (73 J/g), excellent tensile strengths (10.5 MPa), and superhydrophobicity. Furthermore, the thermal management was investigated experimentally. The results demonstrated the outstanding thermal-regulable properties. Thus, this work not only highlights the material design and preparation but also provides environmentally friendly and high-performance PCFs with great potential application prospects for a variety of fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]