A review of lignocellulosic biomass-based shape-stable composite phase change materials

Improving the utilization rate of clean energy such as solar energy has immense significance for future environmental improvement worldwide. Phase change materials (PCMs), due to their excellent thermal energy storage capacity, offer a viable solution to counterbalance the intermittency of certain clean energy sources. However, the low thermal conductivity of the PCMs itself and the leakage problem in the phase change process limit its development. Hence, a strategic approach involves integrating PCMs with porous materials to prepare shape-stable composite PCMs (sscPCMs). Due to the high specific surface area, high thermal conductivity, low cost, and environmental friendliness, lignocellulosic biochar serves as an excellent carrier for PCMs. Given the aforementioned facts and findings, in this review, key scientific achievements from published literature on lignocellulosic biomass based sscPCMs have been integrated, aiming to promote further in-depth research in this field in the future. Specifically, the preparation process of porous biochar as a framework material was first introduced. Elaborate on the method of carbonization and activation and their mechanisms of lignocellulosic biomass. Then, the classification introduced the classification of solid-liquid PCMs and summarized their composite methods with porous materials. Finally, the research progress of lignocellulosic biomass-based sscPCMs was reviewed, including the development of biomass framework, improvement of thermal properties, and addition of functionality. At the end of the article, the future development prospects and research directions in this field are discussed.