This paper provides a review of the solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES). The commonly used solid-liquid PCMs and their thermal properties are summarized here firstly. Two major drawbacks that seriously limit the application of PCMs in an LHTES system, that is, low thermal conductivity and liquid leakage, are discussed. Various methods for enhancing the thermal conductivity and heat transfer of solid-liquid PCMs are explained. Previous studies regarding formstable composite PCMs and microencapsulated PCMs are also presented. Furthermore, applications of the solid-liquid PCMs used in LHTES and thermal management systems are introduced and analyzed. Finally, future outlooks and research topics are proposed.

A new strategy to compatibilize immiscible blends is proposed, using graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets taking advantage of their unique amphiphilic structures. When 0.5 or 1 wt% GOs were incorporated in immiscible nylon 6/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) (90/10 wt%) blends, the dimension of PVDF dispersed particles was markedly reduced and became more uniform, revealing a well‐defined compatibilization effect of GOs on the immiscible blends. Correspondingly, the ductility of the compatibilized blends increased several times compared with uncompatibilized immiscible blends. In order to explore the underlying compatibilization mechanism, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra were applied to suggest that the edge polar groups of GOs can form hydrogen bonds with nylon 6 while the basal plane of GOs can interact with electron‐withdrawing fluorine on PVDF chains leading to the so‐called charge‐transfer C–F bonding. In this case, GOs exhibit favorable interactions with both nylon 6 and PVDF phase, therefore stabilizing the interface during GO migrations from PVDF/GO masterbatch to nylon 6 phase, which can minimize the interfacial tension and finally lead to compatibilization effects. Obviously, this work may open a broad prospect for GOs to be widely applied as a new compatibilizer in industrial fields. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

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