Bio-based organic shape-stabilised phase change materials using agricultural waste-derived matrices: A review

The transition to sustainable materials and technologies is vital for meeting global environmental and economic targets. Shape-stabilised phase change materials (SSPCMs) offer a promising solution for efficient thermal energy management, addressing key limitations of conventional phase change materials (PCMs) such as leakage, low thermal conductivity, and volume instability. This review critically examines bio-based organic SSPCMs derived from agricultural biomass, with a particular focus on porous carbon scaffolds as eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to conventional carbon-support matrices. A bibliometric analysis highlights a marked increase in SSPCM-related research since 2015, particularly in the development of bio-based materials. However, despite this growing interest, the systematic studies of SSPCMs into real-world applications remain largely unexplored, and their environmental impact is insufficiently assessed. The review explores how pore structure, material composition, and activation processes influence PCM encapsulation and composite performance. Key research gaps have been identified, including the absence of standardised biomass classification, limited progress in enhancing energy storage capacity, a lack of system-level validation, and the need for comprehensive environmental impact analysis. Addressing these gaps through the development of advanced materials and sustainable activation techniques will be essential for enabling scalable, high-performance SSPCMs with broader applicability and reduced ecological footprint. • Bibliometric analysis reveals a growing research focus on bio-based SSPCMs since 2015. • Biomass-based carbon scaffolds offer sustainable alternatives to conventional carbon support structures and nanomaterials. • Tailored porous structures, through activation and nanoadditives, enhance PCM encapsulation and thermal performance. • Environmental and economic concerns related to biomass processing are addressed, with a focus on more sustainable approaches. • Compositional and structural optimisation of bio-based SSPCMs is key to scalable, high-performance materials and applications.