<p>A novel phase-change microencapsules (MEPCMs) with paraffin wax as the core material and chitosan (CS) as the shell material were prepared. The microstructure, chemical composition, thermal properties and thermal conductivity of the CS/MEPCMs were measured by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and hot-disk thermal constant analyzer, respectively. The results showed that the ratio of core–shell, the type and amount of emulsifier had great effects on the properties of the CS/MEPCM. For 5% of emulsifier, when the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) value of the emulsifier was 12.2 and the core–shell ratio was 2:1, the prepared CS/MEPCM had regular spherical morphology and smooth surface. The phase-change latent heat of the prepared CS/MEPCM was 47.44&#xa0;J g⁻¹, and the coefficient of thermal conductivity was 0.159 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹. The prepared CS/MEPCM was suitable for the thermal storage systems.</p>