Bio-inspired phase change materials designed for high specific heat of solid phase

• Lipid blends of ceramide, cholesterol and palmitic acid are studied.
• The nanostructures of lipid blends are characterized.
• The values of the specific heat of solid state of lipid blends are high.

Two lipid blends with molar ratios of 2:1:1 and 1.13:1:1 of ceramide (type IV):cholesterol:palmitic acid, namely blends A and B, are prepared, respectively, based on stratum corneum of human. The phase behaviors and nanostructures of those blends have been fully characterized by low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry and small-angle X-ray scattering. The large-scale thermal properties of them have been measured by temperature-history method as well. The heat capacity of solid phase for blend A of 3.23 ± 0.14 J/g °C is higher than the value for common phase change materials (PCMs), such as lauric acid, stearic acid, polyethylene glycol 900, and paraffin wax. The lipid ratio in blend B is also changed to obtain an even higher heat capacity of solid phase of 3.69 ± 0.17 J/g °C. Therefore, we propose to concoct new lipid blends for the enhancement of heat capacity of solid phase values in the immediate future.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideTemperature-history curve of blend A during cooling.