A homologous series of n-alkyl stearates (C17H35COO(CH2)(n-1)CH3, n=8, 10, 12, 14) was synthesized as solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) by esterification of stearic acid with 1-octanol, 1-decanol, 1-dodecanol and 1-tetradecanol. Molecular structures of CnS were confirmed by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) spectra. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements revealed that the melting temperatures of CnS were in the range of 21.4 similar to 44.4 degrees C and increased with the increase in alkyl chain length. The latent heats of fusion were in the range of 165.8 similar to 191.1 kJ kg(-1). The comparable solidifying temperatures and latent heats of solidification were also observed. The phase change temperatures and latent heats changed little after repeated melting/solidifying cycles. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested that CnS was thermally stable at temperatures up to 215 degrees C. The volumetric latent heat storage capacities of CnS ranged from 146 to 159 MJ m(-3). The latent heat storage/release performance of CnS in a ceramic cell suggested the potential application of the n-alkyl stearates for passive thermal energy storage to reduce the indoor temperature fluctuation. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.