Phase-change material (PCM) thermophysical property improvement by nanoparticles

In this chapter, different aspects of nanoenhanced phase change materials (Ne-PCMs), from thermophysical properties to their stability and reliability, are reviewed. The characterization methods of the main thermophysical properties of PCMs (like thermal conductivity, subcooling temperature, latent heat capacity, and viscosity) and their change in the presence of nanoparticles are introduced. The main applications of NePCMs such as heat storing or thermal management systems are presented. Finally, the present challenges and future research directions of NePCMs, especially concerning the optimum combination of single/hybrid nanoparticles and the environmental side-effects, are discussed.