Advancing PCM research in building efficiency: A comprehensive investigation into PCM selection and critical integration strategies

The rising global demand for solutions to enhance building energy efficiency is driven by increased cooling and heating needs in the construction sector. Addressing energy crises and sustainability issues like global warming has led to extensive research efforts aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Phase change materials (PCMs) have garnered significant attention from researchers as they offer promising solutions to reduce energy consumption and promote the utilization of renewable energy sources. The current study offers a comprehensive and critical review of different PCM containing methods, performance enhancement, and their latest applications in buildings. The breakdown of each PCM group, along with the corresponding temperature range within buildings and their respective characteristics, is encompassed in the study. Furthermore, a concise analysis of current challenges and potential prospects is provided. Pivotal findings and recommendations for the exploration of these applications in future studies are outlined to assist researchers in pursuing additional advancements.