Interface Energy Coupling between β-tungsten Nanofilm and Few-layered Graphene

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Tungsten (W) exhibits different phases (α and β) with distinct properties.
• Graphene (G) is known for its exceptional thermal conductivity.
• Understanding interfacial thermal transport is crucial for thermal management in electronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the thermal conductance of β-phase tungsten (β-W) films.
• To characterize the thermal conductance at the β-W/graphene (G) interface.
• To compare the thermal properties of β-W/G interfaces with existing literature.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of multilayered structures with β-W films and few-layered graphene.
• Differential characterization to isolate film and interface thermal conductance.
• Measurement of cross-plane thermal conductivity and interface thermal conductance.

Main Results:

• The thermal conductivity of β-W films was found to be significantly low (1.69–2.41 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹).
• The β-W/β-W interface thermal conductance averaged 280 MWm⁻²K⁻¹.
• The β-W/G interface thermal conductance had a lower limit of 84 MWm⁻²K⁻¹, indicating efficient energy coupling.

Conclusions:

• β-W exhibits poor thermal conductivity, consistent with its high electrical resistivity.
• The β-W/G interface demonstrates high thermal conductance, suggesting potential for thermal management applications.
• Variations in β-W/G interface conductance are attributed to fabrication imperfections.