Thermal and structural performance of graphene–paraffin phase change material composites for advanced energy storage applications

Paraffin wax is widely recognized as a promising phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems due to its high latent heat, chemical stability, and low cost. However, its inherently low thermal conductivity limits the charging and discharging rates. To overcome this limitation, nanomaterials such as graphene, with ultra-high thermal conductivity, large surface area, and excellent mechanical strength, have been integrated with paraffin wax. This paper reviews in detail the application of graphene–paraffin wax nanocomposites. Various studies have reported conductivity enhancements with minimal reduction in latent heat, demonstrating graphene’s superiority over conventional fillers. Emphasis is placed on experimental investigations, characterization techniques, and real-world applications in renewable energy, electronics cooling, and building materials. graphene–paraffin nanocomposites represent a transformative approach toward efficient thermal energy storage systems. Paraffin wax-based phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) due to their high energy density and chemical stability. Recent advancements demonstrate that incorporating graphene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial with ultra-high thermal conductivity and large surface area, significantly improves the heat transfer capability of paraffin wax while preserving its latent heat capacity. This paper reviews the role of graphene as a thermal conductivity enhancer in paraffin PCMs, with applications in solar thermal systems, building integration, industrial safety equipment, and electronics cooling.