Ultrathin-wall mesoporous surface carbon foam stabilized stearic acid as a desirable phase change material for thermal energy storage

•Ultrathin-wall mesoporous surface carbon foam (UMSCF) is prepared by a facile way.•The UMSCF presents high thermal conductivity and superior mechanical property.•A shape-stabilized stearic acid/UMSCF composite phase change material is achieved.•The phase change material has good thermal performances for thermal energy storage.