Technology development and application prospects of organic-based phase change materials: An overview

Organic-based phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used for energy storage due to high latent heat and wide phase change temperature range. Nowadays, alkanes, fatty acids and polyols are the three main types of organic-based PCMs for thermal energy storage with medium and low temperature. However, there are obvious defects of organic-based PCMs in the practical application due to low thermal conductivity and easy leakage in molten state. Encapsulation, vacuum impregnation, adsorption and penetration are the main preparation methods of organic-based PCMs, preventing the leakage in solid-liquid phase change and improving their thermal stability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the preparation strategies, the differences in thermal properties, the improving strategies for thermal conductivity and potential applications for organic-based PCMs. This paper benefits the researcher in conducting further research in solar energy utilization, green energy-saving building, textile, infrared stealthy and thermal management of electronic devices.