Construction strategies and thermal energy storage applications of shape-stabilized phase change materials

Phase change materials (PCMs) are usually used in latent thermal energy storage systems to address the mismatch between heat energy supply and demand, due to their high energy storage density, high-latent heat, and almost constant temperature during phase change process. However, the low-thermal conductivity of PCMs and severe leakage during phase change limit their practical applications. Thus, extensive efforts have been devoted to constructing shape-stabilized PCMs (SSPCMs). In this review, recent advances of the construction strategies and thermal energy storage applications of SSPCMs are summarized. Especially, the microencapsulated PCMs, SSPCMs based on porous scaffolds, as well as their potential applications are highlighted. Finally, the future perspectives and remaining challenges in this research field are prospected.