Aerogel-Based Phase Change Materials Meet Flame Retardancy: From Materials to Properties
Panpan Zhao1,2, Shudi Ying3, Riming Hu1
1Institute for Smart Materials & Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Flame-retardant aerogel-based phase change materials (PCMs) offer enhanced energy storage. This review explores strategies to improve their safety and thermal reliability for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Organic phase change materials (PCMs) are vital for energy storage but suffer from leakage and flammability.
- Aerogels offer porous structures ideal for encapsulating PCMs, enhancing stability and enabling fire safety.
- Limited comprehensive studies exist on flame-retardant aerogel-based PCMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review current flame-retardant approaches for aerogel-based PCMs.
- To highlight recent advancements in aerogel-supported energy storage systems.
- To identify challenges and future opportunities in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of flame-retardant strategies for aerogel-PCM composites.
- Analysis of recent research on aerogel encapsulation and fire safety modifications.
- Synthesis of findings on thermal reliability, safety, and sustainability.
Main Results:
- Various flame-retardant strategies have been developed for aerogel-based PCMs.
- Aerogel matrices significantly improve shape stability and fire resistance of PCMs.
- Progress has been made in enhancing thermal reliability and safety.
Conclusions:
- Flame-retardant aerogel-based PCMs show great promise for next-generation energy storage.
- Further research is needed to overcome key challenges in material design and application.
- Optimizing thermal performance, safety, and sustainability is crucial for future development.
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