Structurally advanced hybrid support composite phase change materials: Architectural synergy

Super-flexible phase change materials with a dual-supporting effect for solar thermoelectric conversion in the ocean environment

“…Composite flexible PCMs are usually obtained by confining PCMs in a flexible polymer supporting network, 45 which are manifested as fiber membranes, foam composites, microcapsules, etc. 46–52…”

Exploring Next‐Generation Functional Organic Phase Change Composites

“…The rational design of advanced devices and technologies concerning thermal energy harvesting, conversion, storage, regulation, and utilization is imperative and significant for relieving energy crisis, alleviating environmental pollution, and promoting sustainable development. [1,2] Although some advanced energy technologies such as solar cells and thermoelectric generators have emerged, [3] the intermittency and discontinuity of thermal energy result in a low energy utilization efficiency. Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies have garnered tremendous attention to reduce the mismatch between supply and demand and improve the utilization efficiency of thermal energy.…”

“…[ 1,12–17 ] In addition to shape stability and thermal conductivity, the concept of energy conversion associated with PCMs has gained significant popularity in recent years. [ 18–21 ] Consequently, a large number of high‐performance phase change composites with enhanced comprehensive properties have emerged, [ 2,5,22–33 ] presenting great application potential based on their unique features, namely, high energy storage capacity and nearly constant phase change temperature. [ 12,34–36 ] Common processing technologies of functional phase change composites include micro/nanoencapsulation, [ 37,38 ] physical blending, [ 30 ] and vacuum‐assisted impregnation.…”

Continuous Dual-Scale Interpenetrating Network Carbon Foam–Stearic Acid Composite as a Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Material with a Desirable Synergistic Effect

“…Stearic acid (SA) is a typical organic solid–liquid PCM with unique characteristics such as a large energy storage capacity, noncorrosiveness, a negligible degree of supercooling, and excellent chemical stability and thermal stability; − consequently, it has been widely used in solar energy utilization, − building energy-saving, thermal management of electronic devices, and other fields. , However, SA has a poor ability to absorb sunlight similar to other organic PCMs, and therefore, it cannot directly convert solar radiant energy into heat energy for storage and utilization. In addition, the problems of low thermal conductivity (0.1–0.3 W/m·K) and liquid leakage of SA limit its practical application. − …”