Synthesis, properties and thermokinetics of a kind of diesters as phase change materials

•A series of diesters based on 1, 6-hexanediol were prepared and characterized as PCMs.•Diesters exhibit better thermal stability and lower phase transition temperature than monoester with the same carbon chain length.•Crystallization kinetics of the relevant diester and monoester were analyzed to explain the thermophysical property differences.•The desired thermophysical properties can be realized by pre-designing the molecular structure of the ester PCMs.