High-performance and anti-leakage polypyrrole-modified wood-based composite phase change material with superior photothermal conversion capability

To address the critical challenges of saving energy and optimizing solar energy utilization, the development of phase change materials (PCMs) offers as a promising avenue. However, the evolution of PCMs has been hindered by several challenges, such as leakage, environmental concerns, and insufficient photothermal conversion efficiency. This study introduces a high-performance and anti-leakage polypyrrole-modified wood-based composite PCMs, PEG(EP)@PPy/DW, to overcome these obstacles. This innovative material is synergistically composed of delignified wood, polypyrrole, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and epoxy resin. It features a high PEG content of 64.58 % and a melting enthalpy of 102.00 J/g. The material exhibits excellent shape and thermal stability, maintaining its integrity even at temperatures below 200 degrees C. Additionally, the strategic in-situ polymerization of polypyrrole significantly enhances both photothermal conversion efficiency (91.88 %) and thermal conductivity (0.24 W center dot m-1 center dot K-1). After rigorous durability testing over 50 cycles, its thermal properties, chemical structures, and physical phase composition remain intact. This study not only clears the existing hurdles, but also paves the way to produce sustainable wood-based PCMs with promising applications in solar energy utilization and building energy conservation.