Porous‐Based Materials for High Power Density Thermal Energy Storage and Flexible Conversion: A Comprehensive Review
Zhihan Yao, Zhiwei Ge, Haocheng Sun, Liang Wang, Xipeng Lin, Yakai Bai, Shuang Zhang, Haisheng Chen
Abstract
Addressing the thermal challenges inherent in energy storage and conversion-driven by the demand for high energy and power density-is crucial for advancing carbon neutrality. Porous materials, characterized by their high surface area, tunable porosity, and nanometer-scale porous structure, offer exceptional performance due to their structural adaptability. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the key methods for synthesizing and fabricating these materials, as well as the mechanisms underlying controllable thermal behavior. The review further explores their diverse applications in thermal energy storage (TES), with a focus on phase change material encapsulation and the stabilization of thermochemical reactions. Additionally, it introduces innovative decarbonization strategies, framed within traditional thermal energy conversion pathways. Finally, the challenges faced by porous materials used for TES and conversion in terms of preparation, application, and cost across multiple scales, providing references for the development of high-performance porous materials in the future are summarized.