Unlocking thermal management capacity: Optimized organic-inorganic hybrid shell phase change microcapsules with controllable structure and enhanced conductivity

Microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) stands as a strong candidate for temperature control of thermal management systems in broad fields like building construction. A novel design strategy for hybridized shell-based MPCM (HMPCM) containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) and silica was developed by the interfacial hydrolysis-condensation method, with characteristics of controllable structure and enhancement in the interaction between the polymer and inorganic thermal conductivity additives. Two hybridized shell structures, including a homogeneous structure and another unique porous cavity structure shaped like a foam, can be obtained by adjusting for preparation conditions. The results reveal that the thermal conductivity is significantly enhanced by hybridized shells compared to pure MMA shells, with a dramatic increment of 92.16 %. Therefore, a highly satisfactory microcapsule material characterized by superior thermal conductivity and energy storage efficiency exceeding 99.9 % was fabricated. The results of thermal cycling reliability assessments underscore the favorable attributes of microcapsules, encompassing stable charging/discharging behavior, exceptional phase change reversibility, and prompt thermal responsiveness. Moreover, the feasibility of microcapsules in building thermal management applications has been verified. The temperature difference of 10.3 °C between the matrix with and without microcapsules demonstrates the capability of HMPCMs to effectively regulate the temperature of the surrounding environment. Consequently, these newly developed HMPCMs reinforced by hybridized shells are promising thermoregulation materials for thermal management systems that await further applications. [Display omitted] •The silyl-polymer hybridized shells supported by a foam-like porous cavity structure were designed.•A drastic increment of 92.16 % in thermal conductivity was achieved by hybridized shells compared to polymer shells.•Hybridized-based microcapsules exhibited fast thermal response and excellent thermal reliability.•An innovative hybridized-based microcapsule strategy was proposed and verified feasibility for construction applications.