Research progress on thermal conductivity of phase change materials enhanced by carbon-based materials

Though organic phase change materials have been widely used in the field of phase change energy storage due to their high latent heat, small subcooling, no phase separation and low cost, the materials show low thermal conductivity. Carbon-based materials, with the characteristics of high thermal conductivity, large specific surface area, light mass and strong plasticity, as well as easy processity into various shapes and good application scenarios adaptability, have been largely used in the field of phase change energy storage to enhance thermal conductivity. Herein, the research progress on one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional carbon-based materials modified organic phase change materials was reviewed, with the three-dimensional carbon-based materials or low dimensional carbon-based materials that could be constructed into three-dimensional structures found to outperform comprehensively, which may be attributed to the three-dimensional skeleton structure providing a continuous heat conduction path thus improving the thermal conductivity of phase change materials, and the porous structure providing strong surface tension and capillary force thus effectively preventing liquid phase leakage of phase change materials. The effects of carbon-based materials on enhancing the thermal conductivity, liquid phase leakage and thermal properties of organic phase change materials were then summarized. Finally, the possible challenges in practical application was pointed out and future development directions of carbon-based materials modified organic phase change materials were discussed. © 2025 Fine Chemicals. All rights reserved.