Form-stable phase change composites: Preparation, performance, and applications for thermal energy conversion, storage and management

Abstract Phase change materials (PCMs) have been extensively characterized as promising energy materials for thermal energy storage and thermal management to address the mismatch between energy supply and demand in various energy systems. To overcome the long-standing drawbacks of PCMs, such as low thermal conductivity, liquid leakage, phase separation, and the supercooling problem, advanced form-stable phase change composites (PCCs), which are fabricated by chemical modifications or the incorporation of functional additives, are of great significance for overcoming these shortcomings and promoting the broad-scale application of PCMs. Herein, we comprehensively review the state-of-the-art and critical issues of PCCs with a special focus on the preparation, thermal performance, and applications of PCCs. The different preparation methods are summarized and classified as hybrid confinement, encapsulation and polymerization of PCMs. Moreover, the thermal performances of metal-, carbon-, and ceramic-based PCCs are analyzed and compared systematically. Furthermore, the versatile applications of PCCs for energy harvesting, thermal storage, and thermal management are also summarized. Finally, future outlooks and prospects associated with the development of PCCs for high energy density and power density are highlighted. This review provides comprehensive and in-depth insights into the progress of PCCs regarding material preparation, thermal performance, energy storage and thermal management.