Research progress on thermal conductivity enhancement of microencapsulated phase change materials

Microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) are a kind of phase change energy storage materials with good performance, which are widely used in the field of heat energy storage, and can effectively solve the problem of phase change material leakage. However, the existence of shell materials weakens the heat conduction between the inner phase change material and the external environment, reduces the thermal conductivity of phase change microcapsules, and restricts its practical application range. Hence, modification of MEPCMs as a widely adopted way can effectively enhance the thermal conductivity of MEPCMs. Firstly, components and structure of MEPCMs were introduced, and microscopic thermal conduction mechanisms from phonon-phonon and electron-phonon interaction perspective were elaborated. Secondly, recent advances in thermal conductivity enhancement by modifying the shell and core materials were analyzed by quantitative experimental results and microcosmic mechanism. Then, the application of modified phase change microcapsules in textile temperature control, slurry and construction was summarized. Finally, the main outlooks and challenges of modified MEPCMs and applications were outlined. © 2024 Fine Chemicals. All rights reserved.