Advances in Phase Change Materials for Enhanced Thermal Energy Storage Systems
A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Systems".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2026 | Viewed by 44
Special Issue Editor
Interests: decision analysis; multi-criteria decision methods; phase change material; energy storage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Phase change materials (PCMs) play a crucial role in latent heat thermal energy storage (TES) systems, which are recognized as key technologies for improving energy efficiency. Despite their potential, TES systems based on PCMs still require significant research to optimize their performance. Several challenges related to PCM properties must be addressed to enable broader implementation.
While thermal properties—particularly latent heat capacity—remain the primary selection criteria for PCMs, other factors also warrant deeper investigation and enhancement. Current research is strongly focused on improving thermal conductivity and preventing leakage, either through encapsulation techniques or the development of shape-stabilized PCMs.
However, additional aspects such as thermal cycling stability, chemical stability, flammability and fire behavior, low vapor pressure, and potential health impacts have not been as extensively explored and deserve further attention.
This Special Issue seeks to compile cutting-edge research dedicated to the development, characterization, and performance enhancement of PCMs, contributing to the advancement of efficient and reliable thermal energy storage solutions.
Prof. Dr. Javier Martínez-Gómez
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- phase change materials (PCMs)
- thermal energy storage (TES)
- latent heat storage
- thermal conductivity enhancement
- encapsulation techniques
- shape-stabilized PCMs
- thermal and chemical stability
- fire safety and flammability
- health and environmental impacts
- energy efficiency
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