2D Material-Enhanced Phase Change Materials

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are promising options for thermal energy storage systems because of their well-known high energy density and consistent thermal output. Nevertheless, the low thermal conductivity and phase transition leakage of conventional PCMs severely restrict their usefulness. A recent successful tactic to get around these issues is the incorporation of two-dimensional (2D) materials into PCMs. The impact of 2D material-enhanced PCMs on energy storage applications is highlighted in this review, which also discusses recent advancements, new trends, and difficulties related to these materials. It draws attention to how 2D materials can enhance structural integrity, thermal conductivity, and multifunctional responsiveness.

Introduction

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as key players in thermal energy storage due to their high latent heat and energy density. However, their poor thermal conductivity and leakage during melting limit practical applications.

To address these issues, 2D materials such as graphene, MXenes, MoS?, h-BN, and black phosphorus (BP) are being integrated into PCMs. These materials offer:

• High thermal/electrical conductivity

• Large surface area

• Good chemical stability

Key Applications

1. Battery Thermal Management

   • Graphene and h-BN improve heat dissipation in lithium-ion batteries.

   • h-BN provides electrical insulation, enhancing safety.

2. Solar-Thermal Energy Storage

   • MXene and MoS? improve solar-to-thermal efficiency (MXene: >97%).

   • BP offers broadband light absorption, ideal for photothermal applications.

3. Electro-Thermal Systems

   • Conductive 2D materials like rGO and MXenes enable Joule heating for fast, controllable heat release.

   • Supports smart and reusable thermal management systems.

Challenges

• Agglomeration of 2D materials at high loadings affects uniformity.

• Poor interfacial bonding between PCMs and fillers reduces stability.

• Thermal cycling degradation limits long-term reliability.

• High production cost and scalability of 2D materials hinder large-scale adoption.

Future Directions

• Develop hybrid 2D composites (e.g., graphene-MXene) for synergistic effects.

• Improve surface functionalization for better dispersion and bonding.

• Design multifunctional PCMs integrating photothermal, electrothermal, and magnetothermal effects.

Conclusion

A potential solution to the inherent drawbacks of traditional PCMs is the use of 2D material-enhanced PCMs. Advanced thermal energy storage systems for a variety of applications are made possible by their exceptional thermal, electrical, and optical qualities. To reach their full potential, further advancements in application-driven integration, composite engineering, and material synthesis are essential.

References

[1] Energy Storage Materials, vol. 24, pp. 123–133, 2020; Zhang, X., et al., \"Graphene-based composite phase change materials with enhanced thermal conductivity.\" [2] \"MXene-enhanced phase change materials for high-efficiency solar–thermal energy storage,\" by Wang, C., et al., Nano Energy, vol. 79, p. 105484, 2021. [3] The article \"2D materials for smart electro-thermal energy systems,\" by Liu, Y., et al., appeared in Advanced Functional Materials in 2022 on page 2112658.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Amit Kumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.