As
an energy carrier, the phase change material can enhance the
efficiency of an energy source and reduce its load. The present paper
describes the assembly of the energy carrier molecule [stearic acid
(SA)] into the interlayer spacing of montmorillonite (Mt). A novel
inorganic/organic composite energy storage material was prepared,
which effectively reduces the phase change temperature of the energy
storage molecule. Through acid treatment, the Si4+/Al3+ ratio of Mt can be regulated to obtain a series of Mts with
different layer charges. As a result, a controllable assembly of energy
storage molecule, SA, into the interlayer spacing of Mts with different
layer charges was accomplished. By controlling the layer charges of
Mt arrangement morphology and interactive force of SA molecules in
the interlayer, spacing of Mt can be changed effectively. The phase
change temperature (exothermic reaction) reduces from 50.5 to 32 °C
compared with the SA molecules, which are used to control phase change
temperature of the energy storage material. The study presents a SA/Mt
energy storage material that can aid in further development in the
field of energy storage construction materials.