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ABSTRACT The urgent demand for renewable energy solutions, propelled by the global energy crisis and environmental concerns, has spurred the creation of innovative materials for solar thermal storage. Photothermal phase change materials (PTPCMs) represent a novel type of composite phase change material (PCM) aimed at improving thermal storage efficiency by incorporating photothermal materials into traditional PCMs and encapsulating them within porous structures. Various porous encapsulation materials have been studied, including porous carbon, expanded graphite, and ceramics, but issues like brittleness hinder their practical use. To overcome these limitations, flexible PTPCMs using organic porous polymers—like foams, hydrogels, and porous wood—have emerged, offering high porosity and lightweight characteristics. This review examines recent advancements in the preparation of PTPCMs based on porous polymer supports through techniques like impregnation and in situ polymerization, assessing the impact of different porous polymer materials on PCM performance and clarifying the mechanisms of photothermal conversion and heat storage. Subsequently, the most recent advancements in the applications of porous polymer‐based PTPCMs are systematically summarized, and future research challenges and possible solutions are discussed. This review aims to foster awareness about the potential of PTPCMs in promoting environmentally friendly energy practices and catalyzing further research in this promising field.
Zhao et al. (Tue,) studied this question.