Recent advances in graphene-based phase change composites for thermal energy storage and management

Abstract

Energy storage and conservation are receiving increased attention due to rising global energy demands. Therefore, the development of energy storage materials is crucial. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems based on phase change materials (PCMs) have increased in prominence over the past two decades, not only because of their outstanding heat storage capacities but also their superior thermal energy regulation capability. However, issues such as leakage and low thermal conductivity limit their applicability in a variety of settings. Carbon-based materials such as graphene and its derivatives can be utilized to surmount these obstacles. This study examines the recent advancements in graphene-based phase change composites (PCCs), where graphene-based nanostructures such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), functionalized graphene/GO, and graphene aerogel (GA) are incorporated into PCMs to substantially enhance their shape stability and thermal conductivity that could be translated to better storage capacity, durability, and temperature response, thus boosting their attractiveness for TES systems. In addition, the applications of these graphene-based PCCs in various TES disciplines, such as energy conservation in buildings, solar utilization, and battery thermal management, are discussed and summarized.