Minireview on Design of Flexible Composite Phase Change Materials to Various Energy Applications: Progresses and Perspectives

Abstract

With the continuous expansion of the research and development and application fields of phase change materials (PCMs), more and more attention has been paid to shape-tunable flexible composite PCMs, which have become a research hotspot in recent years. Flexible composite PCMs can be attached strongly to objects under a certain degree of deformation, thereby giving them great potential in smart applications. This paper reviews the design and fabrication strategies of flexible composite PCMs. The applications of flexible composite PCMs in various fields, such as temperature control of electrical equipment, the textile industry, and multifunctional applications, are introduced in detail. Finally, the challenges, gaps, and perspectives are put forward and discussed. This insightful review aims to provide an in-depth understanding and constructive guidance on flexible composite PCMs.