Engineering the Thermal Conductivity of Functional Phase‐Change Materials for Heat Energy Conversion, Storage, and Utilization

TLDR

Phase‑change materials (PCMs) are increasingly studied for thermal energy storage because they can reversibly store large amounts of heat during isothermal transitions, and their thermal conductivity critically influences charging/discharging rates and overall efficiency. This paper systematically reviews strategies to tune PCM thermal conductivity and explores their applications in energy harvesting, storage, battery thermal management, thermal diodes, and other energy uses. The authors present a research perspective outlining emerging directions for engineering advanced functional PCMs for energy applications.

Abstract

Abstract Thermal energy storage technologies based on phase‐change materials (PCMs) have received tremendous attention in recent years. These materials are capable of reversibly storing large amounts of thermal energy during the isothermal phase transition and offer enormous potential in the development of state‐of‐the‐art renewable energy infrastructure. Thermal conductivity plays a vital role in regulating the thermal charging and discharging rate of PCMs and improving the heat‐utilization efficiency. The strategies for tuning the thermal conductivity of PCMs and their potential energy applications, such as thermal energy harvesting and storage, thermal management of batteries, thermal diodes, and other forms of energy utilization, are summarized systematically. Furthermore, a research perspective is given to highlight emerging research directions of engineering advanced functional PCMs for energy applications.