Integrating multiple energy storage in 1D–2D bridged array carbon-based phase change materials

In response to global energy scarcity, frontiers in multifunctional composite phase change materials (PCMs) with photo-/electro-/magnetothermal triggers show great potential in multiple energy utilization. However, most available composite PCM candidates are inadequate for multiple energy storage applications simultaneously. Herein, a green synthetic route is proposed to develop bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-derived 1D–2D bridged array carbon-based composite PCMs for simultaneous photo-/electro-/magnetothermal energy storage applications. As graphitization-induced catalyst, Co nanoparticles greatly boost the formation of ZIF-derived 1D–2D bridged array carbon framework with high graphitization and low interface electrical/thermal resistance. Benefiting from the broadband intense photon capture, fast photon/electron/phonon transport, and surface plasma resonance effect of Co nanoparticles, the resulting composite PCMs integrate advanced photo-, electro-, and magnetothermal storage functions. Furthermore, composite PCMs also exhibit long-lasting shape stability, structural stability, thermal storage stability, and photo-/electro-/magnetothermal storage stability after undergoing multiple heating–cooling cycles. This study is promising to accelerate the major breakthroughs of advanced multifunctional carbon-based composite PCMs toward multiple energy utilization.