Thermal Imaging for Teaching Materials Chemistry: Phase Change Materials toward Energy Transition

Nowadays, materials for energy transition is a key topic in many academic programs in chemistry, natural sciences, and engineering at different levels, especially in advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses. In this regard, one of the emerging topics is eco-friendly refrigeration and heating solutions based on phase change materials (PCMs). Nevertheless, recent studies show that senior high school and junior university students still find it difficult to relate these phase changes with chemistry. In this work, we have designed visually appealing experiments that use thermal cameras (increasingly affordable) and inexpensive materials, focusing on the physicochemistry of phase transitions and some of their innovative applications.