Versatility of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in designing solid–solid phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal management and their application to innovative technologies

Abstract

The research on phase change materials (PCM) has evolved significantly in the last few decades due to the need to manage the demands of energy requirements. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is established as an organic solid–liquid PCM offering a wide range of enthalpies and phase transition temperatures as a function of its molecular weight. Herein, we have focussed on three aspects including preparation methods, microencapsulation and applications. An attempt has been made to focus on thermal conductivity enhancement methods used in the preparation of PEG based PCMs to give way for the commercial utility of these materials. The concluding remarks address the future directions for investigation, challenges and new possibilities for practical implementation of these materials.