Updates in phase change materials for thermoelectric devices: Status and challenges

Materials are the backbone of our technology-driven society. Cutting-edge research on new materials is trying to shape a better world. In this regard, the use of property-enhanced phase change materials (PCMs) and thermoelectric materials have provided proliferation in the performance of electricity conversion. This in turn surfaces the path for stimulating applications in the discipline of renewable energy. Thermoelectric power generation predominantly from solar energy and different sources of heat such as waste heat from industries, electrical devices, aerospace and aircraft equipment, etc. may be located by adjoining PCMs with thermoelectric devices and generators. In this review, PCMs based thermoelectric devices and properties of associated macro/nano materials have been discussed comprehensively by imparting knowledge about historical prospects, methods of synthesis, and applications of the same materials for the next-generation energy devices. At the end of the review, the prospect of applications is highlighted, helping to achieve more advanced technologies. Moreover, this review guides researchers in the direction of the applications of PCMs in diverse thermoelectric devices. Most importantly, this review is not targeted at a particular theme linked to PCMs research but has discussed the recent updates in PCMs for various thermoelectric applications along with it's key drawbacks.