Research progress on graphene in phase change materials

Graphene has two-dimensional planar structure and excellent thermal conductivity. Adding it into phase change materials is a hot research topic all over the world. In this paper, the effect of graphene addition on the thermal properties of phase change materials was introduced, especially on the thermal conductivity, heat storage, heat transfer and phase change characteristics. The effect of graphene on the shape-stabilized performance of phase change materials was also analyzed, and the mechanism was revealed. Then, the effect of graphene on the encapsulation of phase change materials was discussed, and the performances of microcapsules with graphene as the wall additive and wall material were analyzed. Finally, the problems of preparation and properties on graphene composite phase change material were pointed out. The large-scale preparation of composite phase change materials, the mechanism of heat transfer and the synergistic enhancement of graphene and graphene oxide should be studied further in the future. © 2017, Chemical Industry Press. All right reserved.