Exceptional Thermal Conductivity Research Articles

An Exceptional Valorization of CuO Nanoparticles in Ionic Liquids as an Efficient Medium for the Electrophilic Substitution of Indole Towards the Formation of Bis(indolyl)methanes

Aim: Ionic liquids are promising green solvents with simple but unique structure-related physical properties such as negligible vapour pressure, exceptional thermal conductivity, remarkable thermal stability and their suitability and inertness towards a broad range of catalytic applications. CuO NPs have been addressed as a cost-effective and a reagent of a choice that necessitates only mild reaction conditions to offer a high yield of the desired products with exceptional selectivity in a short duration of time. Therefore, in the present work, attempts have been made to explore the catalytic potentials of CuO NPs in an ionic liquid medium to synthesize biologically important bis(indolyl)methanes. Background: Catalytic explorations of metal oxide nanoparticles in ionic liquids offers a cooperative effect that has a significant impact on the kinetics as well as on the outcome of the reaction. Therefore, such catalytic systems in the present times have seized the scientific community's interest from the perspectives of sustainable development in synthetic organic chemistry. The combination of metal oxide nanoparticles with highly tunable ionic liquids is not only used to synthesize simple organic molecules but also explored in the synthesis of complex organic molecules of high commercial and biological relevance. Objectives: The current work offers a rapid and robust protocol for synthesizing bis(indolyl)methanes via electrophilic substitution reaction between indole and various aldehydes in the presence of a CuO nanoparticles-ionic liquid system. The discussion focuses on the high tolerance of different functionalities by the catalytic system leading to the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes. Methods: CuO NPs have been synthesized via the co-precipitation method using ionic liquid. The applicability of metal oxide nanoparticles-IL matrix was further investigated in synthesizing bis(indolyl)methanes. Results: The FT-IR absorption below 600 cm-1 and the XRD pattern showing all the peaks in the diffraction diagram revealed the formation of CuO NPs. FESEM images show the flake-shaped morphology of CuO NPs and are found to be separated from the agglomerated clusters Conclusion: Ionic liquid-CuO NPs matrix reveals good to exceptional catalytic properties, and their advancements as a catalytic system at room temperature open new avenues for synthetic organic chemists.

Miracle in "White":Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

The exploration of 2D materials has captured significant attention due to their unique performances, notably focusing on graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Characterized by closely resembling atomic structures arranged in a honeycomb lattice, both graphene and h-BN share comparable traits, including exceptional thermal conductivity, impressive carrier mobility, and robust pi-pi interactions with organic molecules. Notably, h-BN has been extensively examined for its exceptional electrical insulating properties, inert passivation capabilities, and provision of an ideal ultraflat surface devoid of dangling bonds. These distinct attributes, contrasting with those of h-BN, such as its conductive versus insulating behavior, active versus inert nature, and absence of dangling surface bonds versus absorbent tendencies, render it a compelling material with broad application potential. Moreover, the unity of such contradictions endows h-BN with intriguing possibilities for unique applications in specific contexts. This review aims to underscore these key attributes and elucidate the intriguing contradictions inherent in current investigations of h-BN, fostering significant insights into the understanding of material properties.

Development and preparation of novel nano-enhanced organic eutectic phase change materials for low-temperature solar thermal applications

ABSTRACT Thermally reliable and stable eco-friendly Phase change materials are of significant aid in thermal energy storage technology, leading to improved energy utilization and reliability of the system. This study develops two novel organic eutectic PCM of Lauric acid – Margaric acid (LM) and Myristic acid – Margaric acid (MM), which are chemically stable and thermally compatible for latent heat energy storage. LM eutectic mixture had a melting temperature of 52.66°C with a latent heat of 163.68 J/g, and MM eutectic mixture had its melting temperature at 44.79°C and a latent heat of 197.31 J/g. The phase change temperatures were favorable for low temperature solar thermal applications with good latent heat capacity. The thermal characteristics of these eutectic mixtures are further enhanced with the dispersion of highly conductive Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at three different mass fractions (.5%, 1% and 1.5% by weight). Nano enhancement could achieve exceptional thermal conductivity enhancement in MM eutectic mixture by 110.6% and 83.73% in LM eutectic mixture. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis ensured the thermal and chemical stability of the eutectic mixtures. The optical absorption characteristics were extensively enhanced with nano particle addition, which is highly preferable in solar thermal applications.

Reinforcement of microwave absorption and thermal conductivity of polydimethylsiloxane achieved by metal-organic framework-derived carbon nanotube/boron nitride flake heterogeneous structure

Due to the rapid advancement of electronic devices towards miniaturization, high-integration, multi-functionality, high-power, and high-frequency, it is necessary to design thermal interface materials (TIMs) that possess exceptional thermal conductivity as well as good capabilities for absorbing electromagnetic waves. In this report, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) containing cobalt (Co) nanoparticles have been in-situ grown on the surfaces of boron nitride flakes (BNFs) using the Co nanoparticles as catalysts which formed by the high-temperature pyrolysis and reduction of zeolite-imidazolate skeleton. Then, a multifunctional heterogeneous structure of Co@CNT/BNFs has been developed with tunable microwave absorption (MA) property and high thermal conductivity, which can be applied to enhance the MA performance and thermal conductivity of polymers simultaneously. The minimum reflection loss can reach -46.6 dB and a broad absorption bandwidth of 5.92 GHz can be obtained when adjusting the content of Co@CNT/BNFs in the absorbers. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the polydimethylsiloxane measured using the transient hot-wire apparatus is 0.72 W/(m·K) when the content of Co@CNT/BNFs is 30 wt.%, exhibiting excellent heat dissipation performance in thermal management. This work is significant for investigating MA packaging and high thermally conductive TIMs for the electronic devices.

Vertically aligned carbon fiber/polydimethylsiloxane composites prepared by lyophilization with exceptional thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding performance

Composites with high thermal conductivity and exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties are crucial for ensuring the long-term stability of electronic devices. One-dimensional carbon fibers (CFs) stand out as promising materials due to their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. However, the anisotropic nature of CFs limits the overall electrical and thermal conductivity of the composite, thus impeding its practical application. To address this limitation, we investigated the effect of different freezing methods on CF orientation using the ice template method. Subsequently, CF-150/PDMS and CF-250/PDMS composites with varying average lengths of CFs were prepared using the unidirectional freezing technique. We studied the influence of CF content and average length on the anisotropic thermal conductivity and EMI shielding properties of the composites. The CF-250/PDMS composite, with a CF content of 15.71 vol%, exhibits a remarkable thermal conductivity of 9.07 W·m−1·K−1 and a low thermal resistance of 2.61 °C·cm2‧W−1. The thermal conductive mechanism of CF/PDMS composites was simulated by thermal conduction model and finite element analysis. Furthermore, it demonstrates longitudinal electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) reaches up to 39.66 dB, while the transverse EMI SE reaches up to 52.55 dB. The vertically aligned CF/PDMS composites exhibit significant potential for a range of applications in thermal management and EMI shielding.

Nonlinear thermal radiation analysis for bioconvection peristaltic transport of fourth-grade nanofluid

Nanoparticles mixed with base liquids result in the formation of nanofluids, known for their exceptional thermal conductivity and their ability to enhance the performance of electrical and mechanical devices. Therefore, this study investigates the peristaltic activity of fourth-grade nanomaterial by taking the consideration of magnetic aspects. Analysis is carried out in the presence of motile gyrotactic microorganisms, Ohmic heating, and viscous dissipation. Thermal transport incorporated effects of nonlinear thermal radiation along with Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Thermal and mass convective conditions are imposed on elastic symmetric channels. The assumptions of low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations have led to the simplification of the nonlinear partial differential equations system into ordinary differential equations. The governing system is solved numerically by NDSolve technique via Mathematica. Graphs are plotted and examined for velocity, thermal field, density of motile gyrotactic microorganisms, and heat transfer rate.

Optimizing Ultrathin 2D Transistors for Monolithic 3D Integration: A Study on Directly Grown Nanocrystalline Interconnects and Buried Contacts.

The potential of monolithic 3D integration technology is largely dependent on the enhancement of interconnect characteristics which can lead to thinner stacks, better heat dissipation, and reduced signal delays. Carbon materials such as graphene, characterized by sp2 hybridized carbons, are promising candidates for future interconnects due to their exceptional electrical, thermal conductivity and resistance to electromigration. However, a significant challenge lies in achieving low contact resistance between extremely thin semiconductor channels and graphitic materials. To address this issue, an innovative wafer-scale synthesis approach is proposed that enables low contact resistance between dry-transferred 2D semiconductors and the as-grown nanocrystalline graphitic interconnects. A hybrid graphitic interconnect with metal doping reduces the sheet resistance by 84% compared to an equivalent thickness metal film. Furthermore, the introduction of a buried graphitic contact results in a contact resistance that is 17 times lower than that of bulk metal contacts (>40nm). Transistors with this optimal structure are used to successfully demonstrate a simple logic function. The thickness of active layer is maintained within sub-7nm range, encompassing both channels and contacts. The ultrathin transistor and interconnect stack developed here, characterized by a readily etchable interlayer and low parasitic resistance, leads to heterogeneous integration of future 3D integrated circuits (ICs).

A Role of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for Enhancing Seed Quality: A Review

Abiotic and biotic stresses impact seed growth, resulting in economic losses. Seeds are being subjected to an increasing number of biotic and abiotic stress combinations as a result of global warming and climate change, which has adverse effects on their growth and production. Drought, flood, salinity, heavy mineral contamination, cold, and heat were all found to have a negative impact on seed germination. Because of their massive surface area-to-volume ratio, nanoparticles—microscopic pieces with a nanoscale dimension ranging from 1-100 nm—have exceptional thermal conductivity, catalytic reactivity, nonlinear optical performance, and chemical durability. There are various methods for creating nanoparticles, such as chemical, physical, and biological ones. However, because dangerous chemical compounds are used as reducing agents, the chemical and physical procedures are expensive, complicated, and might be hazardous to the environment. The synthesis of nanoparticles using green approaches may be easily scaled up, and they are also cost-effective. Because of their superior qualities, greenly coordinated nanoparticles are currently preferred over traditionally delivered NPs. Green synthesis approaches are particularly appealing due to their ability to reduce nanoparticle toxicity. The use of vitamins, amino acids, and plant extracts has increased as a result. While dangerous and extremely hazardous substances are used in the chemical and physical processes that may cause environmental issues, capping and reducing agents are essential to the synthesis of nanoparticles. The capping or reducing agent used in physical and chemical processes is expensive. When used as a seed treatment, nanoparticles can enhance germination as well as the length, vigor, viability, and quality of the seedlings. This paper aims to provide an overview and evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a potential substitute for biosynthesised nanoparticles in seed quality improvement.

A Comprehensive Review of Fatigue Strength in Pure Copper Metals (DHP, OF, ETP)

Due to their exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity properties, high-purity copper (Cu-DHP) and copper alloys of similar composition, such as electrolytic tough-pitch (ETP), oxygen-free electronic (OFE) and oxygen-free (OF), have often been used in the manufacture of essential components for the electrical, electronic and power generation industries. Since these components are subject to cyclic loads in service, they can suffer progressive structural damage that causes failure due to fatigue. The purpose of this review is to examine the most relevant aspects of mechanical fatigue in Cu-DHP, ETP, OFE and OF. The impact of many factors on fatigue strength (Se), including the frequency, temperature, chemical environment, grain size, metallurgical condition and load type, were analyzed and discussed. Stress–life (S-N) curves under zero mean stress (σm = 0) were found for high-cycle fatigue (HCF). For non-zero mean stress (σm ≠ 0), stress curves were based on a combination of Gerber, Soderberg and ASME elliptic failure criteria. Stress–life (S-N) curves were also developed to correlate fatigue strength (Se) with stress amplitude (σa), yield strength (Syp) and ultimate strength (Sut). Finally, for low-cycle fatigue (LCF), strain–life (ε-N) curves that establish a relationship between the number of cycles to failure (N) and total strain amplitude (εplastic) were determined. Hence, this review, as well as the proposed curves, provide valuable information to understand fatigue failure for these types of materials.

Honeycomb networks of boron nitride/nanodiamond with interlocking interfaces enhance the application reliability of silicone rubber thermal conductivity composites

AbstractThe three‐dimensional (3D) boron nitride (BN) thermal conductive networks, crafted through layer‐by‐layer assembly, hold tremendous potential for the development of insulating thermal interface materials (TIMs) with exceptional thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, maintaining the thermal conductive stability of this structure type during application remains a considerable challenge. Herein, initially, the honeycomb networks of boron nitride/nanodiamond (ND/kBN) with interlocking interfaces were prepared by electrostatic self‐assembly and ice template method. Subsequently, thermal conductivity composites of flexible silicone rubber (VQM) were acquired through vacuum‐assisted infiltration. The composites demonstrated improved through‐plane thermal conductivity with 1.03 W/(m K) at a 9.9 vol% content of ND/kBN while exhibiting relatively ideal dielectric properties. More importantly, the thermal conductive properties of the composites still maintain at 96.1% and 91.9%, respectively, even after undergoing 30% compressive deformation for 1 h and being bent 300 times. This study presents a novel strategy that not only improves the thermal conductivity of composites but also ensures the reliability of their applications.Highlights Nanodiamond (ND) is anchored onto the kBN surface by electrostatic self‐assembly. ND/kBN filler honeycomb network with an interlocking interface was prepared. Flexible composites with high thermal conductivity (TC) were prepared. The composites exhibit excellent TC stability after experiencing deformation.

CO2 methanation over Ni-M, Ru-M (M = Co, Mn) catalysts supported on CeO2 and SiC

The concentration of the major greenhouse gas CO2 is rapidly increasing in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and a range of environmental issues. An efficient circulation and utilization of CO2 is critical in the current environmental context. Methanation, an exothermic process, emerges as a critical strategy for effective CO2 utilization. On this front, there is a significant demand for rational design of catalysts that maintain high activity and methane selectivity over a wide temperature range (250–550 °C). The catalyst that can promise a consistent reaction even at 500 °C under an atmospheric pressure is thus obliged. The present study investigated bimetallic catalysts with SiC, which is known for its exceptional thermal conductivity, and CeO2, which is characterized by its CO₂ affinity, as base materials. We incorporated Ni-M and Ru-M (M = Co and Mn) as the active metals, each loaded at 2 %. Impressively, with merely 20 mg, the Ni-Co/SiC catalyst achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 77 % and CH₄ selectivity of 88 % at 500 °C, in a fixed-bed tubular reactor system with conditions of H2/CO2 = 4, a total flow rate of 70 ml min−1, and a steady GHSV of 12,000 h−1. Moreover, 2Ni-2Co/CeO2 catalyst demonstrated exceptional performance with a 76 % conversion of CO2 and a 83 % selectivity for CH4, all under identical conditions. The catalyst's durability was confirmed by a subsequent 40-hour stability test, which showed only a 3–5 % degradation. The developed catalysts were comprehensively characterized by BET/BJH, CO pulse chemisorption, H2-TPR, HAADF-STEM-EDS, SEM-EDS and XRD etc. to unveil their physicochemical and surface traits. It was found that Co and Mn, when integrated, effectively restrained the agglomeration of Ni and Ru particles, ensuring optimal metal dispersion on the support. In conclusion, our synthesized bimetallic catalysts shown a sustained catalytic capability, even in the high-temperature environment.

Machine learning for predicting laser ablation groove characteristics in polycrystalline diamond

This paper explores machine learning’s role in predicting laser-machined micro-groove texture on Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) surfaces. PCD has been used for manufacturing ideal cutting insert due to its exceptional attributes, including hardness and thermal conductivity. Surface micro-texturing enhances accuracy and tool lifespan through micro-textures on tool surfaces. Laser micromachining, especially for its precision and efficiency, stands out among methods. Six regression models—Elastic Net, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Regression, XGBoost Regression, Bayesian Regression, and Gaussian Process Regression—are used to predict groove depth and width based on laser parameters like energy, defocus, and speed. Experiments involve a nanosecond laser system and a commercial PCD tool. Results indicate both Gradient Boosting and XGBoost excel in predicting micro-groove texture. XGBoost slightly outperforms, credited to its enhancements over Gradient Boosting. This paper concludes that machine learning models, especially XGBoost and Gradient Boosting, effectively forecast micro-groove features on laser-machined PCD surfaces, offering insights for further research and practical applications in this domain.

High thermal conductivity and low dielectric polyimide nanocomposites using diamine-assisted mechanochemical exfoliation boron nitride and in-situ polymerization under pressure

Advanced integrated circuit materials demand polymer composites with exceptional thermal conductivity and low dielectric constant to minimize power consumption and improve signal transmission. However, conventional methods of improving the thermal conductivity of composites by incorporating thermal conductive fillers result in an increase in dielectric constant, producing a huge challenge in simultaneously achieving enhanced thermal conductivity and low dielectric constant. Herein, a brick-and-mortar structure has been successfully constructed through in-situ polymerization of the diamine-assisted mechanochemical exfoliated (DAME) boron nitride (BN) with trifluoromethyl-containing PI and microporous polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) under pressure. The DAME functionalized BNNS (f-BN) exhibit high aspect ratios, few lattice defects, high yields and excellent dispersion in the POSS/PI matrix. Notably, the obtained 40 wt% f-BN/POSS/PI nanocomposite exhibits a high in-plane thermal conductivity of 17.76 W m−1 K−1 with a 488% enhancement compared to 40 wt% hBN/POSS/PI, and simultaneously maintains low dielectric constant of 2.76 and low dielectric loss of 0.0042 at 1 MHz close to the pure POSS/PI matrix. Density functional theory is utilized to reveal the possible chemical reactions between f-BN and diamine, and the impacts of interfacial functionalization on the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties of nanocomposites are illustrated by molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the DAME method demonstrates good universality among polyimide matrices, and shows excellent practical implementation as a thermal interface material and flexible printed circuit board. This material provides a promising solution for integrated circuits by successfully addressing the challenge of combining low dielectric constant and high thermal conductivity in microelectronic systems.

Liquid Metal-Enabled Epidermal Interfaces.

Soft materials are crucial for epidermal interfaces in biomedical devices due to their capability to conform to the body compared to rigid inorganic materials. Gels, liquids, and polymers have been extensively explored, but they lack sufficient electrical and thermal conductivity required for many application settings. Gallium-based alloys are molten metals at room temperature with exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity. These liquid metals and their composites can be directly applied onto the skin as interface materials. In this Spotlight on Applications, we focus on the rapidly evolving field of liquid metal-enabled epidermal interfaces featuring unique physical properties beyond traditional gels and polymers. We delve into the role of liquid metal in electrical and thermal biointerfaces in various epidermal applications. Current challenges and future directions in this active area are also discussed.

A Novel Thermal Interface Material Composed of Vertically Aligned Boron Nitride and Graphite Films for Ultrahigh Through-Plane Thermal Conductivity.

The relentless drive toward miniaturization in microelectronic devices has sparked an urgent need for materials that offer both high thermal conductivity (TC) and excellent electrical insulation. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) possessing these dual attributes are highly sought after for modern electronics, but achieving such a combination has proven to be a formidable challenge. In this study, a cutting-edge solution is presented by developing boron nitride (BN) and graphite films layered silicone rubber composites with exceptional TC and electrical insulation properties. Through a carefully devised stacking-cutting method, the high orientation degree of both BN and graphite films is successfully preserved, resulting in an unprecedented through-plane TC of 23.7Wm-1K-1 and a remarkably low compressive modulus of 4.85MPa. Furthermore, the exceptional properties of composites, including low thermal resistance and high resilience rate, make them a reliable and durable option for various applications. Practical tests demonstrate their outstanding heat dissipation performance, significantly reducing CPU temperatures in a computer cooling system. This research work unveils the possible upper limit of TC in BN-based TIMs and paves the way for their large-scale practical implementation, particularly in the thermal management of next-generation electronic devices.

Thermal and photo/electro-thermal conversion characteristics of high energy storage density expanded graphite/polyethylene glycol shaped composite phase change materials

Compared with other energy storage materials, phase change materials (PCMs) are drawing widespread attention because of their high enthalpy and low temperature change. However, its low thermal conductivity, low photo/electro-thermal conversion characteristics, phase separation and easy leakage are still urgent problems. In this work, expanded graphite/polyethylene glycol (EG/PEG) composites were prepared based on physical adsorption method, the relationship between the mass percentage of EG and the microstructure, phase transition properties (phase change enthalpy, supercooling degree) and energy conversion properties was studied. The composite PCM exhibits exceptional thermal conductivity (2.48 W·m−1·K−1, 7 folds greater than that of PEG) and outstanding melting enthalpy (161.4 J/g). The thermal conductivity of the EG/PEG composites is almost constant versus temperature over measured temperature range (26 ℃∼60 ℃). The energy conversion capacities (photo/electro-thermal conversion) increase as the expanded graphite mass fraction increases. The prepared composite PCM obviously overcomes the shortcomings of the pure polyethylene glycol, and highlights enormous application in the domains of multi-physical energy conversion and premium quality power absorption.

Drop-on-demand metal jetting of pure copper: On the interaction of molten metal with ceramic and metallic substrates

Copper, renowned for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity at a low cost, holds great promise in electronic applications. While additive manufacturing of copper has attracted interest, the exploration of applying Drop-on-demand Metal Jetting (DoD-MJ) to 3D print pure copper remains uncharted. To fill this research gap, we employed an in-house DoD-MJ platform, MetalJet, to generate Cu microdroplets and deposit them onto ceramic and metallic substrates, a first-time achievement in this research context. Our study demonstrates the successful generation of uniform Cu microdroplets, emphasising the pivotal role of oxygen content control in preventing nozzle-level reactions, a factor that can disrupt droplet formation. Both alumina and aluminium nitride substrates exhibited poor wettability with molten Cu droplets, and no interface formed between these surfaces due to thermodynamically unfavourable reactions. Nevertheless, the irregular surface of alumina displayed an interesting capability to enable the adhesion of Cu droplets to the substrate through an interlocking mechanism. Lastly, the electrical resistivity of MetalJet printed pillars was measured as low as 6.75×10-8Ωm without any post-treatment, offering exciting possibilities for applications in 3D electronics.

Valorization of Agricultural Rice Straw as a Sustainable Feedstock for Rigid Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Foam Production.

Agricultural rice straw (RS), often discarded as waste in farmlands, represents a vast and underutilized resource. This study explores the valorization of RS as a potential feedstock for rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foam (RPUF) production. The process begins with the liquefaction of RS to create an RS-based polyol, which is then used in a modified foam formulation to prepare RPUFs. The resulting RPUF samples were comprehensively characterized according to their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The results demonstrated that up to 50% by weight of petroleum-based polyol can be substituted with RS-based polyol to produce a highly functional RPUF. The obtained foams exhibited a notably low apparent density of 18-24 kg/m3, exceptional thermal conductivity ranging from 0.031-0.041 W/m-K, and a high compressive strength exceeding 250 kPa. This study underlines the potential of the undervalued agricultural RS as a green alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks to produce a high-value RPUF. Additionally, the findings contribute to the sustainable utilization of abundant agricultural waste while offering an eco-friendly option for various applications, including construction materials and insulation.

Enhanced reduction of graphene oxide via laser-dispersion coupling: Towards large-scale, low-defect graphene for crease-free heat-dissipating membranes in advanced flexible electronics

The advancement of flexible electronics demands improved components, necessitating heat dissipation membranes (HDMs) to exhibit high thermal conductivity while maintaining structural integrity and performance stability even after extensive deformation. Herein, we have devised a laser-modulated reduction technique for graphene oxide (GO), enabling the fabrication of high-quality, large-scale, low-defect graphene, which yields high-performance HDMs after orderly deposition. The work underscores the crucial role of the laser wavelength and dispersion liquid’s coupling intensity in influencing the morphology and properties of graphene. Optimal coupling effect and energy conversion are realized when a laser of 1064 nm wavelength irradiates a triethylene glycol (TEG)/N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) dispersion. This unique synergy generates high transient energy, which facilitates the deprotonation process and ensures a swift, comprehensive GO reduction. In contrast to conventional water-based laser reduction methods, the accelerated reaction magnifies the size of the graphene sheets by mitigating the ablation effect. After membrane construction with an ordered structure, the corresponding membrane exhibits a high thermal conductivity of 1632 W m−1 K−1, requiring only ∼1/10 of the total preparation time required by other reported methods. Remarkably, the resulting HDM demonstrates superior resilience against creasing and folding, maintaining excellent smoothness and negligible reduction in thermal conductivity after violent rubbing. The combination of exceptional flexibility and thermal conductivity in HDMs paves the way for long-term practical use in the flexible electronics industry.

Evaluation of highly adsorptive Guefoams (multifunctional guest-containing foams) as a potential sorbent for determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by means of thermal desorption

The present work delves into the feasibility of employing a novel structured sorbent referred to as GFAD (Guefoam Adsorption Device) for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in liquid samples. The chosen method has been static headspace sorptive extraction-thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HSSE-TD-GC–MS). The GFAD comprises an aluminum cellular material with a distinct replication structure and a solid guest phase consisting of activated carbon particles dispersed within the cavities of the cellular aluminum. The extensive specific surface area, robustness, and exceptional thermal conductivity of this pioneering material offer distinct advantages over commercially available polydimethylsiloxane-based Twister® devices. Therefore, the trapping efficiency for volatile organic compounds is enhanced, and it is possible to perform the analysis of concentrated samples. According to computational simulations, it has been demonstrated that GFAD has a high heat conductivity. As a result, the desorption efficiency is improved, and minimal temperature gradients are generated throughout the GFAD during the heating process. Besides, the energy consumption is significantly lowered, thus aligning with environmentally conscientious and sustainable analytical practices.The experimental results give a proof of the suitability of the GFAD for determining gaseous compounds in liquid samples through HSSE-TD-GC–MS. For volatile species, the new material provides higher peak areas and lower limits of detection than a commercially available Twister® device. Furthermore, the GFAD is reusable, its adsorbing properties remaining unchanged during, at least, 100 consecutive analyses. In addition, unlike to the Twister®, no intense siloxane peaks are observed in the chromatograms obtained with the GFAD. The feasibility of qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis with the new accessory has been demonstrated with both standards and a cereal bioethanol real sample.Graphical abstract