Recent advances of polymeric phase change composites for flexible electronics and thermal energy storage system

Thermal energy storage technique is becoming an indispensable approach for enhancing the efficiency of thermal energy conversion and utilization by employing the polymeric phase change composite materials, which has attracted enormous interest in recent years owing to its merits of high energy density and strong stability of energy output. However, the underlying main issues of polymeric phase change composites application remain to be resolved, including low thermal conductivity, leakage, and strong rigidity. Herein we present a review of the recent advances in polymeric phase change composites for thermal energy storage and the thermal conduction mechanism proposed for phase change composites. The advanced synthesis strategies of various phase change composites with superior performance are also discussed. In particular, this review focuses on key strategies and practical applications of high-performance polymeric phase change composites for thermal energy storage. To collect and make the most of industrial waste heat and solar energy, a variety of novel polymeric phase change composites with desired performance are urgently required, including inorganic material and organic material systems, which are targeting at the scale-up utilization of constant temperature storage. Finally, challenges and new application opportunities of polymeric phase change composites in designing flexible thermal electronics and thermal energy storage system are discussed.