Synthesis and characterization of a novel solid–solid phase change luminescence material

Because of the large energy storage and small temperature variation during the phase change process, phase change materials (PCMs) are attracting increasing attention. In this study, a novel solid–solid PCM was prepared by coordinating rare earth Eu 3+ ions to the carboxylate groups of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) modified with two terephthalic acid groups. The structure and properties of the material were characterized using 1 H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatograph and fluorescence spectroscopy. The coordination of Eu 3+ with the double‐carboxylated PEG material significantly improved both the enthalpy value of the phase change material and its light‐emitting properties. This paper describes the facile synthesis and characterization of a novel phase exchange luminescent Eu–PEG material. The light‐emitting characterizations show that this modified PEG material has both good phase change properties and excellent luminescent properties. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry