Tree frog–inspired indoor architectural skin: scalable, leak–proof, bondable thermal energy storage wood for low–carbon buildings

Thermal energy storage wood (TESW), as a novel energy−efficient building material, enable passive regulation of indoor temperatures through the phase change process. However, earlier approaches suffer from leakage susceptibility, poor adhesive strength, and inadequate mechanical properties. Inspired by the skin and mucus of tree frogs, this study adopts a block co−polymerization strategy to construct an “indoor architectural skin”. By inducing the polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with maleic anhydride−modified polyethylene glycol inside the cell lumen, TESW with excellent leak−proof performance is prepared. The co−polymerized TESW exhibits an enthalpy of 59.54 J g ⁻¹ and phase change temperature of 32.26 °C, also has outstanding cycling stability. The incorporation of HEMA significantly improves the surface adhesive properties of TESW. Even after phase change, the shear strength reaches 1.62 ± 0.29 MPa, providing potential for the preparation of plywood. This improvement is attributed to the increase in wood surface roughness and the addition of polar groups. Life cycle assessment indicates that this preparation process exhibits low environmental pollution and offers ecological benefits. Consequently, this research establishes a scalable route to anti−leakage, bondable TESW with lower environmental footprint, contributing to the high−value and functional utilization of wood in passive energy−saving buildings.