Recent innovations in support materials for shape-stable organic composite phase change materials: A comprehensive review

This review paper explores the latest advancements in support materials utilized in the synthesis of shape-stable organic composite phase change materials (PCMs). The growing energy demand and heightened concerns about greenhouse gas emissions have spurred extensive research into sustainable thermal energy storage systems. The use of organic PCMs for thermal energy storage holds great potential in addressing the energy supply-demand disparity effectively. However, organic PCMs suffer from significant drawbacks, such as leakage during phase transitions and low thermal conductivity which limit their practical utility in thermal energy storage systems. To overcome these limitations, integrating organic PCMs with porous support materials offers a compelling solution, ensuring both shape stability and improved thermal performance. This review systematically examines recent developments in support materials incorporated with organic PCMs for the fabrication of shape-stable composites through various strategies. Additionally, it delves into the potential applications of these composites across various sectors. The compatibility of diverse support materials with organic PCMs for composite synthesis is thoroughly investigated. This investigation includes both biomass-based like porous carbons, biopolymers and non-biomass-based support matrices, such as expanded graphite, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Furthermore, the paper elucidates the preparation techniques for shape-stable composite phase change materials and sheds light on the challenges faced by traditional organic PCMs. In conclusion, this review paper provides valuable insights into the future outlook of shape-stable organic composite PCMs and underscores the need for further research in this domain to meet the demands of sustainable thermal energy storage systems.