Two-dimensional nanosheets enhanced phase-change materials for thermal management applications

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have outstanding loading capacity and excellent heat conduction. The embedment of 2D nanosheets in phase-change materials (PCMs) for nanocomposites can possibly tackle the limitations of PCM leakage and low thermal conductivity. Here, the synthesis methods of 2D materials are rationally categorized, encompassing both top-down and bottom-up strategies. 2D nanosheets such as graphene, MXene, black phosphorus, and hexagonal boron nitride with unique characteristics provide an exciting pathway to fabricate composite PCMs for tailored thermal management applications. The performance of composite PCMs is influenced by the structures of 2D materials and their assembly process with PCMs; thus, the goal is to rationally assemble 2D nanosheets with controlled structure characteristics in PCMs so that their remarkable features can be inherited and transferred into the composites. Finally, the challenges and prospects of nanomaterial-based composite PCMs are proposed.