Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in High-Performance Thermoelectric Thin Films Through Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Published on: May 17, 2024
Thermally Conductive Radiative Cooling Films for Thermal Management of Flexible Devices
Xiyu Yu1,2, Xiangyu Sun1, Ang Wang1
1Institute of Thermal Science and Technology, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China.
Abstract:
Radiative cooling provides a solution for managing heat in flexible electronic devices, particularly those that undergo complex deformations. However, most current radiative cooling materials are inadequate for cooling heat-producing devices due to their selective infrared emission and low thermal conductivity. Herein, a thermally conductive radiative cooling (TCRC) film with enhanced mechanical properties is proposed by incorporating hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoplates and alumina (Al2O3) nanospheres within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. h-BN nanoplates are primarily responsible for high solar reflection and thermal conduction, while Al2O3 nanospheres are expected to improve the infrared emission and film hardness. This advanced film achieves a solar reflectivity of 84.2% and a broadband infrared emissivity of 98.3%, even at a relatively low loading level, and features a 2-fold increase in thermal conductivity compared to the matrix. Thanks to the combined effects of efficient solar reflection, broadband infrared emission, and improved thermal conduction, the TCRC film demonstrates excellent above-ambient cooling performance under direct sunlight (∼13.7 °C) and indoor environment (∼5.9 °C). Besides, the film exhibits superior abrasion resistance, hydrophobicity, flame retardancy, and UV resistance. This work establishes a versatile and effective thermal management solution for flexible devices.
Related Concept Videos
Thermal Stress
Mechanism of heat transfer
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer II
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
Conduction, accounting for approximately 3% of body heat loss at rest, is the process of exchanging heat between molecules of two materials in direct contact. This can result in both heat loss and gain. For instance, when the body is submerged in water, which conducts heat 20 times more effectively than air, it can either lose or gain significant...
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer I
Conduction, Convection and Radiation: Problem Solving
In order to solve a problem related to heat transfer, first of all, the situation needs to be examined to determine the type of heat transfer involved. This could...

