Thermoresponsive Hydrogels Incorporating Phase-Change Energy Storage Materials for Advanced Thermal Management

Abstract

With the rising global energy demand and worsening environmental challenges, the development of efficient energy storage and conversion technologies has become increasingly critical. Combining phase-change materials with thermally responsive hydrogels integrates the high water content and biocompatibility of hydrogels with the superior thermal energy storage capacity of phase-change materials, offering a promising strategy for advanced thermal management. This review summarizes the latest advancements in phase-change hydrogels, covering synthesis, thermal responsiveness regulation, and applications. It discusses strategies for improving performance through material design and structural optimization, and explores the potential applications and challenges in areas such as building energy efficiency, personal thermal management, healthcare, and electronics. By synthesizing the latest research progress and identifying future research directions, this review aims to provide valuable insights for both academia and industry, fostering further innovation and practical implementation of phase-change energy storage hydrogels in next-generation thermal management solutions.