Review of Recent Developments in Thermochemical Energy Storage Materials and Systems

Yanan Zhang; Devrim Aydin; Hasila Jarimi; Cagri Kutlu

doi:10.65582/rrs.2026.008

Authors

Yanan Zhang Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6931-2163
Devrim Aydin Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eastern Mediterranean University, G. Magosa, TRNC Mersin 10, Türkiye; Department of Architecture and Built Environment, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5292-7567
Hasila Jarimi Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi Selangor, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0921-3283
Cagri Kutlu Department of Mechanical Engineering, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8462-0420

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65582/rrs.2026.008

Keywords:

Thermochemical energy storage (TES), Reversible chemical reactions, Salt hydrates and composite sorbents, Reactor design and system integration, Solar thermal and waste heat utilization

Abstract

Thermochemical energy storage (TES) is emerging as a transformative solution for enhancing thermal energy management in buildings and industrial applications. Unlike conventional sensible and latent heat storage, TES systems store energy through reversible chemical reactions, offering significantly higher energy densities and minimal standby losses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in TES materials and system configurations, including both closed-cycle systems (e.g., chemical heat pumps, adsorption/absorption cycles) and open-cycle systems integrated with solar thermal collectors. Advances in material engineering—particularly in salt hydrates, composite sorbents, and nanostructured materials—have led to improvements in cyclic stability, regeneration temperature, and thermal efficiency. The paper also highlights innovative reactor designs such as fixed-bed, fluidized-bed, and plate-fin heat exchangers, alongside smart control and additive manufacturing approaches. Key technical challenges, including reaction kinetics, long-term stability, and heat/mass transfer complexity, are discussed to identify future research needs. This review aims to support the development of high-performance, scalable TES systems for sustainable and flexible energy infrastructure.