The Structure and Lattice Parameters of Pentaerythritol Above and Below its Phase-Transition Temperature

Abstract

Pentaerythritol (C-(CH2OH)4) is a solid-state phase-change material which is a potential candidate for temporary storage of solar energy. This material is known to undergo an atomic structural rearrangement in the solid state above approximately 187°C, at which point a large amount of thermal energy is absorbed. Reversion of the structure to the low-temperature form releases this stored energy–thus pentaerythritol (P.E.) can be regarded as a temporary storage medium for heat.