Advances in resource utilization of waste in phase change materials

In order to alleviate energy and environmental problems, this paper summarizes and evaluates the application of waste in thermal energy storage. First, natural phase change materials and waste phase change materials are presented separately from the perspective of the source of phase change materials. For example, vegetable oils and animal fats and its extraction are potential phase change materials due to their good latent heat values. Subsequently, this paper discusses the modification methods of industrial solid waste and biomass carriers by focusing on the evaluation of the adsorption properties of the carriers. Industrial solid waste with a porous structure, chemical stability, and high-temperature resistance are promising phase change materials carriers, particularly for high-temperature carriers. Biomass materials and biomass-derived materials have excellent adsorption properties and good loading rates for phase change materials. To address the problem of poor thermal properties of waste-based phase change materials, the paper also evaluates the effect of additives to improve the thermal properties of phase change materials. The whole paper outlooks the resource utilization of waste in phase change materials in thermal energy storage. Wastes used in phase change materials, carriers and additives are promising. • The thermal properties of phase change materials (PCMs) derived from natural and waste materials were summarised. • The use of industrial solid waste in PCMs was discussed. • The utilization of biomass and biomass-carbon resources in PCMs was introduced. • This paper briefly outlines measures to improve the thermal performance of PCMs.