Thermal Properties and Multiscale Behavior of Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Applications

Phase change materials (PCMs) have gained significant attention as effective solutions for thermal energy storage and thermal management due to their ability to store and release large amounts of latent heat over narrow temperature ranges. This characteristic makes PCMs attractive for improving energy efficiency in applications such as buildings, renewable energy systems, electronics cooling, battery thermal management, and industrial processes. As the transition towards sustainable and low-carbon energy technologies accelerates, PCMs are increasingly recognized as key components of advanced thermal energy systems.Despite substantial progress, the widespread implementation of PCM-based technologies remains challenged by limitations related to thermo-physical properties, phase transition behavior, heat transfer performance, and long-term reliability. The thermal behavior of PCMs is inherently multiscale, influenced by material composition, microstructure, and system-level integration. Recent advances in experimental characterization, multiscale modeling, and materials engineering offer new opportunities to better understand and optimize PCM performance, supporting more reliable and efficient thermal energy applications.While significant research has been devoted to developing new PCMs and measuring their thermal properties, gaps remain in linking these properties to real-world performance, scalability, and long-term operation.This Research Topic is focused on the thermal properties and multiscale behavior of PCMs. The collection aims to bridge fundamental investigations with engineering applications in thermal energy systems, and advance the understanding and practical implementation of PCMs by connecting material-level thermal behavior with device- and system-level performance.By showcasing contributions that span fundamental thermo-physical mechanisms, numerical and data-driven modeling approaches, and application-oriented studies, this Research Topic seeks to provide a coherent and comprehensive perspective on PCM-based thermal technologies. Ultimately, the collection aims to support the design of more efficient, reliable, and application-ready PCM systems, thereby accelerating their adoption in energy storage and thermal management solutions that contribute to improved energy efficiency and a more sustainable energy future.This Research Topic welcomes articles that address experimental, numerical, theoretical, and applied aspects of PCM research. Areas within the scope of the collection include, but are not limited to:• Thermo-physical property characterization of PCMs• Advanced, composite, encapsulated, and form-stabilized PCMs• Experimental techniques for studying PCM melting, solidification, and heat transfer• Thermal reliability, cycling stability, and degradation behavior of PCMs• Multiscale modeling and simulation of phase change processes in PCMs• Heat transfer enhancement strategies in PCM-based systems• Integration of PCMs into thermal energy storage and thermal management systems• Applications of PCMs in buildings, renewable energy systems, electronics, and batteries. Topic editors: Oguzhan Kazaz, Pankaj Thakur Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79934/thermal-properties-and-multiscale-behavior-of-phase-change-materials-for-thermal-energy-applications