A review of shape stabilized aerogel-based phase change materials for preparation, classification and applications

•Preparation methods of aerogel-based PCMs from different materials.•Multifunctional response mechanism of aerogel-based PCMs.•Improvement of thermophysical and mechanical properties of aerogel-based PCMs.•Advanced multifunctional applications of aerogel-based PCMs. Liquid leakage of PCM and thermophysical performance defects seriously affect the application prospect of PCMs. Aerogels provide an excellent solution for packaging and performance improvement of PCMs with its ultra-high specific surface area and low density and give PCMs other functions besides energy storage, such as energy conversion (photothermal/electrothermal conversion, magnetic thermal/acoustic thermal conversion), thermal management (battery thermal management, electronic thermal management), thermal infrared stealth, building materials, etc. In this paper, firstly, the preparation method and multifunctional response mechanism of aerogel-based PCMs are systematically described, and the improvement of thermophysical and mechanical properties of various aerogel-based PCMs is reviewed from the perspective of aerogel preparation. Then, according to the different application scenarios of aerogel-based PCMs, the advanced functions of aerogel-based PCMs are reviewed, and the multifunctional effects of different materials in aerogel-based PCMs are compared. Finally, some insightful guidance and suggestions for the research and development of aerogel-based PCMs are put forward. [Display omitted]