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Asymmetric photothermal aerogels: A multifunctional strategy for adaptive building thermal management and energy efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Liu, Xiangyang
  • Kang, Zeyang
  • Zhang, Yilin
  • Zhang, Tongtong
  • Zhao, Jiahao
  • Qu, Miao
  • He, Maogang

Abstract

In the relentless pursuit of energy-efficient buildings, the development of thermal insulating materials with adaptive solar modulation stands as a game-changer for reducing the hefty energy consumption of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Herein, we introduce an innovative asymmetric assembly strategy to craft multifunctional aerogel materials exhibiting remarkable asymmetric photothermal properties. By synergistically integrating the solar-thermal conversion efficiency of black phosphorus (BP), the superior thermal insulation of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels, the unique asymmetric photothermal behavior of silver nanowire (AgNW)/eicosane (C20) structures, near-infrared radiation heating, electrical heating capabilities, and the latent heat compensation of C20, we have engineered a BP/CNF + AgNW/CNF/C20 bilayer multifunctional composite phase change aerogel. This avant-garde bilayer aerogel acts as a high-efficiency energy storage medium within buildings, effectively smoothing out internal temperature fluctuations. Impressively, it maintains a comfortable internal interface temperature of 41 °C even when the external environment dips to a chilly −5 °C, delivering superior thermal buffering through its phase change dynamics and insulation capabilities that far surpass existing insulation materials. This pioneering bilayer design opens up new horizons for the development of adaptive building thermal management systems suited to diverse environmental conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Xiangyang & Kang, Zeyang & Zhang, Yilin & Zhang, Tongtong & Zhao, Jiahao & Qu, Miao & He, Maogang, 2025. "Asymmetric photothermal aerogels: A multifunctional strategy for adaptive building thermal management and energy efficiency," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:323:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225014628
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135820
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Quan, Bingqing & Wang, Jinzhi & Li, Yi & Sui, Miao & Xie, Heng & Liu, Zhigang & Wu, Hao & Lu, Xiang & Tong, Yi, 2023. "Cellulose nanofibrous/MXene aerogel encapsulated phase change composites with excellent thermal energy conversion and storage capacity," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PB).
    2. Ke, Yujie & Tan, Yutong & Feng, Chengchen & Chen, Cong & Lu, Qi & Xu, Qiyang & Wang, Tao & Liu, Hai & Liu, Xinghai & Peng, Jinqing & Long, Yi, 2022. "Tetra-Fish-Inspired aesthetic thermochromic windows toward Energy-Saving buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 315(C).
    3. Yue, Xuejie & Wu, Hai & Zhang, Tao & Yang, Dongya & Qiu, Fengxian, 2022. "Superhydrophobic waste paper-based aerogel as a thermal insulating cooler for building," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    4. DeForest, Nicholas & Shehabi, Arman & Selkowitz, Stephen & Milliron, Delia J., 2017. "A comparative energy analysis of three electrochromic glazing technologies in commercial and residential buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C), pages 95-109.
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    1. Fan, Jiaxi & Cai, Haotong & Duan, Fei & Ji, Dongxu, 2026. "Geometric and thermal design of phase change material-thermoelectric system for building energy harvesting and cooling load shaving," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    2. Kong, Xiangfei & Zhao, Caimeng & Deng, Yuzhu & Dai, Huageng & Xu, Bowen & Yuan, Jianjuan, 2026. "A synergistic angle-material-season strategy enabling thermochromic spectrally-selective envelopes for building year-round passive thermal regulation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).

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