Engineering Innovative Phase Change Material - MXene Aerogel Hybrids: Enhancing Thermal Management and Shape Stability Through Interpenetrating Networks

• Applicant: Majid Haghgoo, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 578468130

This project pioneers a novel approach to phase change material (PCM) composites by integrating MXene aerogels with an interpenetrating crosslinked polymer network. Conventional PCMs, widely used for thermal energy storage in applications like renewable energy, building insulation, and electronics cooling, suffer from key limitations such as poor thermal conductivity, leakage during phase transitions, and low mechanical stability. This research introduces a breakthrough material architecture that addresses these challenges by combining the exceptional thermal and mechanical properties of MXene aerogels with a robust polymer network to confine the PCM, ensuring enhanced performance and durability. The core innovation of this work is the development of a multifunctional hybrid structure. MXene aerogels—composed of two-dimensional carbide and nitride layers—are leveraged as an ultralight yet highly conductive thermal scaffold. Their interconnected porous framework provides efficient heat transfer pathways, nearly 100% photothermal conversion efficiency, and strong light absorption in the near-infrared region, making them ideal for solar energy harvesting. The incorporation of a crosslinked polymer network further reinforces the composite by chemically anchoring the PCM molecules, preventing leakage even under extreme heating conditions. This interpenetrating structure significantly improves shape stability, mechanical integrity, and thermal response time compared to conventional PCM composites. A key aspect of this research is the systematic optimization of material composition and processing techniques to achieve superior performance metrics, including PCM loadings exceeding 95%, enhanced thermal conductivity (20× higher than pure PCMs), and long-term stability over 500 thermal cycles. The project will investigate the molecular-level interactions governing PCM retention within the aerogel network, as well as the thermodynamic and mechanical behavior of the composite under real-world operating conditions. The anticipated outcome is a new class of high-performance PCM composites with unparalleled thermal management capabilities, enabling breakthroughs in energy storage technologies. These materials will have a transformative impact on applications ranging from solar thermal energy storage and smart building materials to advanced electronics cooling and wearable thermal regulation. By bridging the gap between fundamental material science and applied energy solutions, this research sets the foundation for next-generation sustainable thermal energy storage systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants