Sustainability and Innovation in Phase Change Materials for Efficient Thermal Energy Storage

Dear Colleagues,

As the global energy landscape shifts towards sustainability, the efficient capture, storage, and utilization of thermal energy have become critical components in the development of advanced energy systems. Phase change materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising solution in this domain due to their ability to store and release large amounts of energy during phase transitions, typically from solid to liquid or vice versa. Their unique properties make PCMs highly attractive for various thermal energy storage (TES) applications, including solar power generation, waste heat recovery, building climate control, and more.

However, despite their potential, significant challenges remain in optimizing the performance and scalability of PCM-based storage systems. Issues such as thermal conductivity, long-term stability, cost-effectiveness, and integration into existing energy infrastructure still hinder the widespread adoption of PCMs. Furthermore, there is a need for new materials and enhanced formulations to meet the evolving demands of thermal energy storage applications. Research is also needed to address the environmental impacts of certain PCMs and ensure that sustainable solutions are pursued.

This Special Issue seeks to highlight the latest innovations and developments in phase change materials for thermal energy storage. By gathering cutting-edge research and review articles, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the field, offering insights into novel material designs, system integration strategies, and real-world applications. The goal is to promote collaboration among scientists, engineers, and industry stakeholders, and to accelerate the development of advanced PCM technologies that can play a pivotal role in the global transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Development of new PCMs for enhanced thermal energy storage;
• Nanocomposites and hybrid materials for PCM applications;
• Advanced encapsulation techniques for PCMs;
• Improving thermal conductivity and phase transition properties;
• Long-term performance and reliability of PCM-based systems;
• Environmental and sustainability assessments of PCM technologies;
• Integration of PCMs in buildings, industrial processes, and renewable energy systems;
• Economic analysis and scalability of PCM thermal energy storage;
• Case studies and real-world applications of PCM technologies;
• Regulatory frameworks and policies for PCM deployment.

We invite original research and comprehensive reviews that explore these and related topics, contributing to the advancement of phase change materials in thermal energy storage.

Prof. Dr. Hamza Faraji
Prof. Dr. Fateh Mebarek-Oudina
Prof. Dr. Khadija Choukairy
Guest Editors

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• phase change materials (PCMs)
• thermal energy storage (TES)
• latent heat storage
• nanocomposites for PCM
• hybrid materials
• thermal conductivity enhancement
• encapsulation techniques
• renewable energy integration
• energy efficiency
• sustainable energy systems