光热转换是指通过反射、吸收等方式将太阳光能转换为热能,从而被人类加以利用,是目前人类利用太阳能的主要方法之一。相变储热材料通过可逆相变实现热量的储存与释放,具有储热密度高、储放热过程恒温等优点。将相变储热材料与光热转换技术结合,不仅能有效储存光热转换得到的热能,还能控制储放热温度,为热能的精准高效利用提供便利,因此成为光热转换技术的理想匹配材料。本工作根据化学组成的差异,对当前光热转换领域中应用的相变储热材料进行分类介绍,包括光热转换相变储热材料的应用机制和应用领域,最后总结了当前光热转换相变材料存在的问题,并对新型光热转换相变材料的未来研究方向进行了展望。
Photothermal conversion entails the conversion of solar radiation into thermal energy via processes such as reflection and absorption, thus making it available for human use. This methodology is among the primary approaches currently used for harnessing solar energy. Phase change thermal storage materials, through phase transitions, store and release thermal, providing advantages like high thermal storage density and a consistent temperature during the storage and release processes. The integration of these materials with photothermal conversion technology not only improves the efficient storage of thermal energy obtained from photothermal conversion but also allows for temperature control during the storage and release processes. This integration facilitates a more precise and efficient use of thermal energy in subsequent applications, thus making phase change thermal storage materials an ideal complement to photothermal conversion technology. In this review, based on their distinct chemical compositions, the phase change thermal storage materials currently used in photothermal conversion applications are categorized and elaborated on. Their application mechanisms and the fields are explored. Furthermore, the existing challenges with current photothermal conversion phase change materials are summarized, and future research directions for the development of novel materials in this area are prospected.