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Abstract Shape memory alloys (SMAs) absorb and release large amounts of latent heat during martensitic transformation, making them ideal candidates for applications involving thermal energy storage and management. In this study, Cu–Zn–Al SMAs were investigated as lower-cost alternatives to NiTi-based SMAs for solid–solid phase change materials. The alloys were fabricated using an unconventional method of melting and solidification of the constituent elements sealed in quartz tubes under a pressurized Ar atmosphere. The alloys synthesized were found to exhibit superior figure of merit values for thermal energy storage, as compared to conventional solid–liquid phase change materials and NiTi-based SMAs, with thermal conductivity between 59 and 75 W/mK and latent heat values ranging from 3 to 6.5 J/g. Transformation temperature ranges (A_f–M_f) less than 20 °C were achieved within a wide operating temperature between − 145 °C and 100 °C. In addition, select CuZnAl compositions yielded excellent cyclic stability with only ± 2 °C shifts in transformation temperatures after 20 thermal cycles. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of CuZnAl SMAs for use in high heat flux thermal energy storage and management applications at a wider range of temperatures.