Nano-enhanced phase change materials for thermal energy storage: A comprehensive review of recent advancements, applications, and future challenges

Abstract

Energy considerations in the twenty-first century have brought significant attention to developing high-performance materials. Nanostructured materials have emerged as a promising approach for achieving enhanced performance, particularly in the thermal energy storage (TES) field. Phase change materials (PCMs) have gained considerable prominence in TES due to their high thermal storage capacity and nearly constant phase transition temperature. Their potential to expand the application of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy harvesting, has attracted significant interest from researchers. To further enhance the thermophysical properties of PCMs, the incorporation of nanoparticles has resulted in the development of nano-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCMs). This comprehensive review paper discusses the latest advancements in NEPCMs since 2020, focusing on their impact on the thermal characteristics of base PCMs, practical applications, and the challenges encountered in this emerging field. Detailed discussions and comparisons were conducted to identify nanoparticles influencing key thermophysical properties, including phase change temperature, supercooling degree, latent heat capacity, thermal conductivity, melting rate, thermal stability, and reliability. An extensive literature survey was conducted to explore the utilization of these NEPCMs in solar energy harvesting, thermal management of electronics, construction, and waste heat recovery. Furthermore, an economic analysis assessed the feasibility of employing nanoparticles in producing NEPCMs. The findings reveal a significant emphasis among researchers on improving the thermophysical properties of NEPCMs. However, more comprehensive research is needed to address these materials' economic, environmental, and ecological aspects, ensuring their cost-effectiveness and safety in future applications. Therefore, a holistic approach encompassing economic, environmental, and ecological analyses is essential for adopting NEPCMs widely in various domains.