Composite phase-change materials for photo-thermal conversion and energy storage：A review

Photo-thermal conversion phase-change composite energy storage materials (PTCPCESMs) are widely used in various industries because of their high thermal conductivity, high photo-thermal conversion efficiency, high latent heat storage capacity, stable physicochemical properties, and energy saving effect. PTCPCESMs are a novel type material that can harness solar energy for heat storage and energy conversion, exhibiting high efficiency in energy conversion, storage, and the use of clean, renewable energy. Organic phase-change materials can absorb or release a large amount of latent heat during the solid-liquid phase transition, whereas a functional carrier material can enhance the efficiency and stability of the photo-thermal conversion. Furthermore, a functional carrier material confers the composite material with various properties. PTCPCESMs can facilitate the conversion and storage of solar energy and can overcome the limitations of structural stability, thermal conductivity, light absorption capacity, photo-thermal conversion performance, and thermal energy storage efficiency of the phase-change materials (PCMs) themselves. This paper reviews the research on PTCPCESMs from China and other abroad, which can improve the utilization and conversion rate of full-spectrum sunlight, address the problem of matching energy supply with demand, and broaden the practical application of PCMs. This paper summarizes the research progress of PTCPCESMs and their applications in various fields at home and abroad, and provide an outlook on their future research directions.