Progress in phase change nano-emulsions for energy applications-A concise review

Thermal energy storage and transport are central to the wide application of renewable energy. With excellent storage capacities, latent heat storage is more promising than sensible one. Phase change materials are the primary storage materials for latent heat storage. Phase change nanoemulsions are developed for latent heat storage in flow systems that can be used as heat transport and thermal storage purposes, offering improved heat transfer, pumping power, and higher storage capacities. This review is focused on the new advances in phase change nanoemulsions for energy applications. The phase change nanoemulsions are introduced and their features and classification are provided. The preparation methods and thermophysical properties of these nanostructured phase changeable fluids are discussed and, material synthesis and property characterization are covered. Finally, the applications of this class of fluids in different energy systems are reviewed. The major barriers to the applications of phase change nanoemulsions, including instability and high degree of super-cooling, are discussed.