Phase-change
materials (PCMs) are utilized for thermal energy storage
(TES) to bridge the gap between supply and demand of energy. Organic
PCMs, similar to paraffins, fatty acids, and polyethylene glycol,
are extensively explored, thanks to their high TES capacity (∼5–10
times more than the sensible heat storage of water/rock), wide temperature
range (spanning from −5 °C to 190 °C), good thermal
stability over heating–cooling cycles (∼100 cycles),
etc. However, “leakage” of PCMs upon transformation
from solid to liquid has limited their usage as TES materials; thus,
PCMs are confined to a biopolymeric framework for circumventing seepages.
However, extensive analysis has concluded that there is a deficiency
in availability of consolidated data on biopolymeric-based framework
for PCMs. Thus, this review covers various literatures on the application
of assorted biopolymers as framework for PCM. Simultaneously, we have
also discussed on importance of biopolymers for constructing a framework
for PCMs. Finally, the review concludes with future prospects, along
with possibilities and disputes on the course of their practical application.