Synthesis and Thermal Energy Storage Properties of Erythritol Tetrastearate and Erythritol Tetrapalmitate

Erythritol tetrapalmitate (ETP) and erythritol tetrastearate (ETS) were synthesized as novel solid-liquid phase change materials (PCM) by means of the direct esterification reaction of the erythritol with palmitic and stearic acids. The ETP and ETS esters were characterized chemically using FT-IR and H-1 NMR techniques. The energy storage properties of the esters were determined by DSC analysis. The results indicated that the ETP and ETS esters synthesized as novel solid-liquid PCMs are promising materials for thermal energy storage applications at large scale such as solar energy storage, building heating or cooling, indoor temperature controlling, and production of smart textile and insulation clothing.