MXene based composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications: Featuring bio-mimic approaches

Phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used in thermal energy storage systems, but their underlying drawbacks, such as poor heat conductivity and phase transition leakage, make them unsuitable for widespread use. MXenes have received a lot of curiosity due to having extraordinary mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity, and unique layered structure. Owing to the exquisite arrangements, numerous unique biomimetic morphologies have drawn attention. Numerous investigations regarding bio-mimic MXene/PCM composites (BMX-CPCMs) have found improvements in latent heat up to 106.50 % on average, along with excellent thermal stability with no matrix leakage in 500 cycles and an upsurge in thermal conductivity of up to 708 % as well as better electrical conductivity. These composites exhibit exceptional flame redundancy, a better evaporation rate of 0.92 kg/m2 h, and photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 99.80 %. Certain BMX-CPCMs have superior elasticity and compressibility, with the ability to rebound to nearly the initial stage even after enduring a significant 80 % compression strain deformation. BMX-CPCMs showcase their diverse potential to promote socio-economic and environmental well-being globally, helping to create an evenly distributed and sustainable world by achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of BMX-CPCM for advanced energy storage systems and conversion applications, which will inspire and guide the scientific community in further advancing this field with the focus on developing new materials that mimic nature with controlled structures and properties. These materials are crucial for clean, renewable energy storage and conversion, which are necessary for sustainable societal progress.