Advances in hybrid phase change materials for thermal energy storage: A systematic review toward sustainable energy systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/jmes.20.2.2026.7.0875Keywords:
Hybrid nanoparticles, Thermal energy storage, Phase change materials, Mechanical properties, BiocharAbstract
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have excellent energy density and reliable temperature control which enables them to store thermal energy with a prominent efficiency. But, challenges like low thermal stability, phase separation, leakage during phase transition, and low thermal conductivity limit their broader use in thermal energy storage (TES) systems. The development of PCM composites, enabled by integrating PCMs with nanomaterials, mitigates the problem of low thermal conductivity; however, a low thermal stability issue persists. To tackle this issue, the strong tendency of nanoparticles to form robust intermolecular bonds with PCMs is addressed by combining nanoparticles with PCMs. Consequently, review provides a comprehensive analysis of TES and the classification of PCMs, highlighting specific enhancements in thermal and mechanical properties achieved through the use of hybrid and other nanomaterials. These enhancements, including increased thermal conductivity, mechanical robustness, and shape stability, lead to more efficient heat transfer and improved thermal performance in TES systems, thereby addressing thermal stability issues that degrade after multiple thermal cycles. Additionally, the review examines the preparation methods of PCM composites by dispersing various hybrid nanomaterials and bio-derived carbonaceous substances. Authors observed that maximum augmentation in thermal conductivity of a hybrid PCMs is 900 %. Moreover, emerging applications based on the thermos-mechanical properties of the PCMs are comprehensively discussed. At last, the limitations of hybrid particle-dispersed PCM composites are evaluated, along with current challenges and future research prospects.
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