IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i17p4516-d1732333.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Phase Change Materials (NPCMs) in Solar Thermal Energy Systems: A Review on Synthesis, Performance, and Future Prospects

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Lu

    (School of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
    Guangdong Provincial Mechanical Engineering Experimental Teaching Center, Guangdong Technology College, Zhaoqing 266041, China)

  • Jay Wang

    (School of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Meng Wang

    (Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100190, China)

  • Jian Yan

    (College of Mechanical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China)

  • Ding Mao

    (Department of Building Environment and Equipment, School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230002, China)

  • Eric Hu

    (School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

Abstract

The environmental challenges posed by global warming have significantly increased the global pursuit of renewable and clean energy sources. Among these, solar energy stands out due to its abundance, renewability, low environmental impact, and favorable long-term economic viability. However, its intermittent nature and dependence on weather conditions hinder consistent and efficient utilization. To address these limitations, nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (NPCMs) have emerged as a promising solution for enhancing thermal energy storage in solar thermal systems. NPCMs incorporate superior-performance nanoparticles within traditional phase change material matrices, resulting in improved thermal conductivity, energy storage density, and phase change efficiency. This review systematically examines the recent advances in NPCMs for solar energy applications, covering their classification, structural characteristics, advantages, and limitations. It also explores in-depth analytical approaches, including mechanism-oriented analysis, simulation-based modelling, and algorithm-driven optimization, that explain the behavior of NPCMs at micro and macro scales. Furthermore, the techno-economic implications of NPCM integration are evaluated, with particular attention to cost-benefit analysis, policy incentives, and market growth potential, which collectively support broader adoption. Overall, the findings highlight NPCMs as a frontier in materials innovation and enabling technology for achieving low-carbon, environmentally responsible energy solutions, contributing significantly to global sustainable development goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Lu & Jay Wang & Meng Wang & Jian Yan & Ding Mao & Eric Hu, 2025. "Nanoparticle-Enhanced Phase Change Materials (NPCMs) in Solar Thermal Energy Systems: A Review on Synthesis, Performance, and Future Prospects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-45, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4516-:d:1732333
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/17/4516/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/17/4516/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anya, Belka & Mohammadpourfard, Mousa & Akkurt, Gülden Gökçen & Mohammadi-Ivatloo, Behnam, 2025. "Exploring geothermal energy based systems: Review from basics to smart systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    2. David Suárez‐Cuesta & Maria C. Latorre, 2024. "Governance and policy implications of the Inflation Reduction Act: A European perspective," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 15(S8), pages 37-43, December.
    3. Zhehui Chen & Simon Mak & C. F. Jeff Wu, 2024. "A Hierarchical Expected Improvement Method for Bayesian Optimization," Journal of the American Statistical Association, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 119(546), pages 1619-1632, April.
    4. Sathishkumar, A. & Cheralathan, M., 2023. "Charging and discharging processes of low capacity nano-PCM based cool thermal energy storage system: An experimental study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PB).
    5. Minh Ha-Duong, 2025. "Power system planning in the energy transition era: the case of Vietnam's power development plan 8," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(4), pages 562-577, April.
    6. Madurai Elavarasan, Rajvikram & Pugazhendhi, Rishi & Shafiq, Saifullah & Gangatharan, Sivasankar & Nadarajah, Mithulananthan & Shafiullah, G.M., 2025. "Efficiency enhancement of PV panels with passive thermal management using PCM: An exhaustive review on materials, designs and effective techniques," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 382(C).
    7. repec:uwp:landec:v:101:y:2025:i:1:p:18-35 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Zhang, Xuan & Yu, Cheng & Zhang, Chengbin, 2025. "Advances in latent heat storage technology for electronic cooling," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    9. Froidevaux, Jérémy S.P. & Le Viol, Isabelle & Barré, Kévin & Bas, Yves & Kerbiriou, Christian, 2025. "A modeling framework for biodiversity assessment in renewable energy development: A case study on European bats and wind turbines," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).
    10. Chen, Hongfei & Niu, Dongxiao & Gao, Yibo, 2025. "Research on the impact of energy transition policies on green total factor productivity of Chinese high-energy-consuming enterprises," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 319(C).
    11. Bestas, Sukru & Aktas, Ilter Sahin & Bayrak, Fatih, 2024. "A bibliometric and performance evaluation of nano-PCM-integrated photovoltaic panels: Energy, exergy, environmental and sustainability perspectives," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    12. Maseer, Muayad M. & Ismail, Firas Basim & Kazem, Hussein A. & Hachim, Dhafer Manea & Al-Gburi, Kumail Abdulkareem Hadi & Chaichan, Miqdam T., 2024. "Performance enhancement of photovoltaic/thermal collector semicircle absorber tubes using nanofluid and NPCM," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    13. Ma, Tingshan & Li, Zhengkuan & Lv, Kai & Chang, Dongfeng & Hu, Wenshuai & Zou, Ying, 2024. "Design and performance analysis of deep peak shaving scheme for thermal power units based on high-temperature molten salt heat storage system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    14. Madurai Elavarasan, Rajvikram & Nadarajah, Mithulananthan & Pugazhendhi, Rishi & Gangatharan, Sivasankar, 2024. "An experimental investigation on coalescing the potentiality of PCM, fins and water to achieve sturdy cooling effect on PV panels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 356(C).
    15. Gürbüz, Emine Yağız & Şahinkesen, İstemihan & Tuncer, Azim Doğuş & Güler, Onur Vahip & Keçebaş, Ali & Georgiev, Aleksandar G., 2025. "Experimental investigation of a baffled photovoltaic-thermal air collector with SiC nano-embedded thermal paste: A comparative study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    16. Mohtasim, Md. Shahriar & Kibria, Md. Golam & Pranto, Md Mahamudul Hasan & Das, Barun K., 2025. "Hybrid PVT integrated pyramid solar still: 11E, sustainability, and sustainable development goals assessment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    17. Wang, Ji & Hu, Eric & Blazewicz, Antoni & Ezzat, Akram W., 2018. "Simulation of accumulated performance of a solar thermal powered adsorption refrigeration system with daily climate conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PA), pages 487-498.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wang, Zhenpu & Xu, Jing & Ma, Suxia & Zhao, Guanjia & Wang, Jianfei & Gu, Yujiong, 2025. "Comparative investigation on heat pump solutions for peak shaving and heat-power decoupling in combined heat and power plants," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    2. Xu, Zhou & Yin, Yu & Shao, Junpeng & Liu, Yerong & Zhang, Lin & Cui, Qun & Wang, Haiyan, 2020. "Study on heat transfer and cooling performance of copper foams cured MIL-101 adsorption unit tube," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    3. Li, Yantong & Liu, Chang & Liang, Junhan & Yin, Huibin, 2025. "Parametric studies and structural optimization of a PCM tank integrated with CO2 heat pumps," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    4. Haijiao Wei & Yuanwei Lu & Yanchun Yang & Yuting Wu & Kaifeng Zheng & Liang Li, 2024. "Research on Thermal Adaptability of Flexible Operation in Different Types of Coal-Fired Power Units," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-19, May.
    5. Evangeline, S. Ida & Darwin, S., 2025. "The role of carbon dioxide in enhancing geothermal energy: A review of current developments and future potential," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    6. Zhang, Chenyu & Wang, Ning & Xu, Hongtao & Ma, Zhenjun & Qu, Zhiguo, 2024. "Development of a fully coupled concentrator-spectral splitter-thermal-electrical model with evaluation of electrical uniformity for full-spectrum photovoltaic/thermal systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
    7. Wang, Runchen & Du, Xiaonan & Shi, Yuetao & Deng, Weipeng & Wang, Yuhao & Sun, Fengzhong, 2024. "A novel system for reducing power plant electricity consumption and enhancing deep peak-load capability," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
    8. Shi, Xingping & He, Qing & Liu, Yixue & An, Xugang & Zhang, Qianxu & Du, Dongmei, 2024. "Thermodynamic and techno-economic analysis of a novel compressed air energy storage system coupled with coal-fired power unit," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    9. Zacharias, Anto & Baby, Rajesh & Maria, Hanna J. & Thomas, Sabu, 2025. "Preparation, characterization, and selection of nano-assisted phase change materials for thermal management and storage applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    10. Yang, Ping & Wu, Bo & Tong, Xuan & Zeng, Min & Wang, Qiuwang & Cheng, Zhilong, 2023. "Insight into heat transfer process of graphene aerogel composite phase change material," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    11. Iwabuchi, Koki & Watari, Daichi & Zhao, Dafang & Taniguchi, Ittetsu & Catthoor, Francky & Onoye, Takao, 2025. "Enhancing grid stability in PV systems: A novel ramp rate control method utilizing PV cooling technology," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 378(PA).
    12. Xu, Huaqian & Zuo, Hongyang & Zeng, Kuo & Lu, Yongwen & Kong, Jiayue & Chi, Bowen & Gao, Junjie & Yang, Haiping & Chen, Hanping, 2023. "The heat transfer enhancement of the converging-diverging tube in the latent heat thermal energy storage unit: Melting performance and evaluation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    13. Hou, Guolian & Huang, Ting & Jiang, Hao & Cao, Huan & Zhang, Tianhao & Zhang, Jianhua & Gao, He & Liu, Yong & Zhou, Zhenhua & An, Zhenyi, 2024. "A flexible and deep peak shaving scheme for combined heat and power plant under full operating conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    14. Bayrak, Fatih, 2025. "Prediction of photovoltaic panel cell temperatures: Application of empirical and machine learning models," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    15. Chen, Chengxu & Du, Xiaoze & Yang, Lizhong & Romagnoli, Alessandro, 2024. "Flexibility enhancement of combined heat and power unit integrated with source and grid-side thermal energy storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    16. Miao, Lin & Yan, Hui & Liu, Ming, 2024. "Power increase potential of coal-fired power plant assisted by the heat release of the thermal energy storage system: Restrictions and thermodynamic performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    17. Chen, Xianhao & Shi, Zhuoyue & Zhang, Ziteng & Zhu, Mingjuan & Oko, Eni & Wu, Xiao, 2024. "Dynamic modeling and comprehensive analysis of an ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant integrated with post-combustion carbon capture system and molten salt heat storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 308(C).
    18. Selimefendigil, Fatih & Okulu, Damla & Oztop, Hakan F., 2024. "Energy and exergy performance improvement of coupled PV–TEG module by using different shaped nano-enhanced cooling channels," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    19. Zhiying Ji & Yushuang Chen, 2025. "An Empirical Investigation into the Impact Mechanisms of Energy Transition in Corporate Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-27, June.
    20. Zhang, Guangming & Jiang, Kaijun & Wang, Qinghua & Zhang, Qiang & Chen, Jiyu & Xu, Jinliang & Niu, Yuguang, 2025. "Dynamic performance and control strategy of steam generation system for ultra-rapid steam production in coal-fired power plant," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4516-:d:1732333. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.