Abstract: Photothermal phase change energy storage composites have the advantages of high photothermal conversion efficiency and large latent heat storage, which can alleviate the imbalance between energy supply and demand through the absorption, conversion and storage of solar energy, and is one of the current research hotspots.To further promote the research and development of photothermal phase change energy storage composites, the mechanism and preparation methods of carbon-based, metal-based nanoparticles and semiconductor materials were systematically introduced in this paper.In addition, the photothermal conversion and energy storage effects of composites prepared by different strategies were summarized. Finally, the applications of photothermal phase change energy storage composites in energy-saving buildings, intelligent thermostat fabrics and other aspects were briefly discussed. The review article may provide reference for researchers.