Bio-Based Polymers for Environmentally Friendly Phase Change Materials.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Energy
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Phase-change materials (PCMs) are crucial for thermal energy storage, utilizing sensible and latent heat for sustainable energy solutions.
• Current PCMs often rely on non-renewable sources, posing environmental concerns due to their carbon footprint.
• Developing eco-friendly alternatives is essential for advancing sustainable energy technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on bio-based polymers for phase-change material (PCM) applications.
• To explore the use of bio-based polymers as PCMs, for encapsulation, and shape stabilization.
• To discuss strategies for enhancing thermal energy storage and imparting multifunctional properties to bio-based PCMs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of bio-based polymers in PCM applications.
• Evaluation of properties of bio-based polymers as PCMs and for encapsulation.
• Analysis of strategies for improving thermal energy storage and multifunctionality.

Main Results:

• Bio-based polymers like cellulose, chitosan, lignin, gelatin, and starch show promise for PCM applications.
• These materials can function as PCMs themselves or aid in encapsulation and shape stabilization.
• Novel strategies have been presented to improve thermal energy storage and add multifunctional features.

Conclusions:

• Bio-based polymers represent a viable and sustainable pathway for developing next-generation phase-change materials.
• Their application in thermal energy storage can significantly reduce environmental impact.
• Future research can further unlock the potential of bio-based polymers in various industrial fields.