Recent advances in the properties, synthesis, and applications of oriented composite phase change materials

In the context of the global energy low-carbon transition, phase change energy storage technology becomes a key technology to solve the problem of intermittent renewable energy. Oriented phase change composites (OCPCMs) receive widespread attention in practical energy storage applications due to their unique oriented thermally conductive structure, which achieves significant thermal conductivity enhancement in specific directions while retaining the high energy storage capacity of the phase change components. This review systematically summarizes the overall analysis of OCPCMs from synthesis and preparation to application scenarios in recent years. Herein, we introduce the analysis of the heat transfer mechanism of the materials and explore the advantages of the oriented structure in OCPCMs in the heat transfer behavior from a bionic perspective. We then focus on summarizing and generalizing the methods for preparing OCPCMs, giving suggestions for suitable methods according to different scenarios. Besides, we discuss the application of finite element simulation methods to the monitoring of the thermal management behavior of OCPCMs, and look into the potential future application areas of such materials. Finally, it is hoped that this review will provide guidance for the academic community in developing high-performance OCPCMs.