ZnO/PPy modified carbon foam supported phase change material with efficient photothermal conversion and light-driven shape memory

To achieve efficient energy management and intelligent responsive control of phase change material (PCM), a composite PCM with simultaneous energy storage and superior photothermal conversion capability was developed. Carbon foam (CF) was served as matrix material, on which zinc oxide (ZnO) and polypyrrole (PPy) were allowed to deposited to form a hierarchical micro–nano interface, with stearic acid (SA) impregnated as a phase change component. The CF framework provided efficient thermal conduction pathways and elastic structural support, while the interfacial synergy between ZnO and PPy significantly enhanced light absorption and photothermal conversion efficiency. The optimal thermal performance was achieved at ZnO to PPy precursor concentration ratio of 1.5:1 (MCF/SA-2). Under light irradiation, the material possessed excellent photothermal response of 96.6%, high latent heat storage of 186.4 J·g − 1 , outstanding thermal cycling stability, and a remarkable shape recovery ratio of 97.7%. This work offers an effective strategy for developing solar-driven intelligent energy storage, programmable thermal regulation, and flexible adaptive systems, giving a huge potential for the future industrial use.