A review on preparation, thermal transport properties, phase-change characteristics, and thermal stability of molten salts.

Concerns over the escalating energy crisis have prompted extensive study and application of energy storage technology as a means to augment energy efficiency. Molten salts (MSs) feature prominently as phase change material (PCM) due to their considerable latent heat, broad operating temperature range, high heat storage density, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a survey of the advancements in the study of preparation methods, heat transport characteristics, phase change characteristics, and thermal stability of MSs over the past three years. Heat transport characteristics encompass thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and viscosity. Phase change characteristics include melting point, latent heat, subcooling, nucleation methodology, and heat storage density. The review also explores the promising domain of nano-enhancement technologies and the analysis of MSs' thermal conductivity via phonons. [Display omitted] • Recent progress in properties modifications of molten salts is reviewed. • Adding skeleton materials affects the thermal storage performance. • Nanoparticles are the properties enhancer of molten salts. • Preparation techniques of molten salts impacts the thermal storage performance. • Waste treatment is applied in thermal energy storage of MSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]