Exploring electro-thermal conversion in phase change materials: A review

Phase change materials (PCMs) are recognized as an effective means of thermal energy storage with extensive use across various scenarios. Despite their utility, the inherent low conductivity of these materials significantly hampers thermal energy conversion and storage without the aid of a temperature differential. Solutions to this challenge have involved compounding PCMs with different energy conversion media to facilitate interconversion between multiple energy sources and thermal energy. Owing to the active and stable characteristics of electrical energy, composites of electrical energy with PCMs effectively imbue the resulting materials with dynamic electrothermal conversion and thermal energy storage capacities. This review conducts an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying material conductivity, thermal conductivity, and electrothermal conversion. It systematically summarizes methods of constructing different conductive matrices. We also discuss the applications of these materials in electronic devices, smart fabric and other fields before summarizing the current challenges and potential future directions in electrothermal conversion.