Multifunctional composite phase change materials: Preparation, enhanced properties and applications

Thermal energy harvesting, storage, conversion and utilization technologies based on phase change materials (PCMs) have received widely attention. The intelligent integration of PCMs with functional carriers or nano-additives enables the application of energy such as thermal, light, electricity and magnetism in different fields. Herein, we discuss strategies for the preparation of multifunctional composite PCMs with enhanced properties, including PCMs selection, encapsulation carrier design, thermal performance optimization, and functional integration methods. The latest progress of advanced applications of multifunctional composite PCMs in the fields of thermal management, thermal protection, medical, energy saving, and thermal camouflage is reviewed. The multifunctional design characteristics of PCMs for different applications are emphasized, as well as the relationship between the structure and thermo-physical properties of multifunctional composite PCMs. Finally, the remaining challenges of multifunctional composite PCMs and the fields that need to be broken through for advanced applications are envisioned.