Porous-Material-Based Composite Phase Change Materials for a Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Management System

A battery thermal management system (BTMS) plays a significant role in the thermal safety of a power lithium-ion battery. Research on phase change materials (PCMs) for a BTMS has drawn wide attention and has become the forefront of this scientific field. Several evident limitations exist in pure PCMs, such as poor thermal conductivity and low structural stability, while porous materials could reinforce PCMs for their superior thermal performance and robustness. Most related existing reviews focused on the thermal performances of a lithium-ion BTMS by different cooling methods. However, the thermal properties of porous materials and those based composite phase change materials (CPCMs) have not been summarized, which have much influence on the thermal management effect of battery modules. Thus, research on porous-material-based CPCMs used for a lithium-ion BTMS were reviewed in this paper. The kinds of PCMs and porous materials commonly used in a lithium-ion BTMS were introduced, and the thermophysical properties and robustness of porous-material-based CPCMs were systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the thermal management effects of a porous-material-based CPCM on a lithium-ion battery were summarized. We discussed the enhancement effects on PCMs and the advantages and limitations of various porous materials commonly used in a lithium-ion BTMS. Finally, on the basis of the current research, this paper concluded the requirement of porous material for a CPCM in a lithium-ion BTMS and the expected future research directions of porous material, including looking for a potential porous carrier, intensifying heat transfer, and enhancing anti-vibration performance.