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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
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Asymmetric Thermoelectrochemical Cell for Harvesting Low-grade Heat under Isothermal Operation
Published on: February 5, 2020
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Materials for thermochemical energy storage and conversion: attributes for low-temperature applications
Steven Kiyabu1, Aleksandr Shkatulov2,3, Alauddin Ahmed1
1Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Materials Horizons
|November 7, 2025
Summary
Thermochemical materials offer high heat storage density but face challenges in reaction rates and cycle life. This review explores materials and mechanisms for efficient thermal energy storage, particularly for low-temperature applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Efficient thermal energy storage is crucial for improving process efficiencies across various economic sectors.
- Current thermal storage device development is in its early stages, necessitating further research and commercialization efforts.
- Thermochemical materials offer high energy densities but are limited by slow reaction rates and poor cycle life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce researchers to thermal storage materials that utilize thermochemical reactions.
- To accelerate the development and commercialization of thermal energy storage devices.
- To focus on properties relevant for low-temperature applications such as domestic heating, cooling, and heat-moisture recuperation.
Main Methods:
- Overview of general concepts in thermal energy storage.
- Detailed examination of mechanisms and materials for low-temperature thermochemical storage.
- Discussion of absorption in solids (hydrates, ammoniates, methanolates), adsorption in porous hosts (zeolites, MOFs), and dilution in liquids.
Main Results:
- Thermochemical materials exhibit high energy densities but face challenges in reaction rates and cycle life.
- Low-temperature applications include domestic heat storage, adsorptive cooling, and heat-moisture recuperation.
- Benchmark and emerging materials for each storage approach have varying advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in reaction rates and cycle life for thermochemical energy storage.
- Developing optimal materials is key to unlocking the potential of thermochemical energy storage for various applications.
- The review highlights opportunities for advancing materials for efficient and scalable thermal energy storage solutions.
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