A Magnetically Responsive Flexible Thermal Switch for Reversible Thermal Regulation.
Yuxia Dong1, Xudong Zhang2,3, Bin Li1
1Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 6, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a flexible thermal switch using magnetic liquid metal and graphene. This device dynamically controls heat flow, crucial for smart thermal management in flexible electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Thermal Engineering
Background:
- Dynamic thermal conductivity regulation is essential for efficient energy conservation and smart thermal management.
- Flexible and continuous thermal switches are critical for advanced thermal regulation but remain a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel magnetically responsive flexible thermal switch.
- To investigate its thermal switching capabilities and temperature regulation performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a flexible thermal switch using magnetic liquid metal, graphene films, and polydimethylsiloxane.
- Characterization of its thermal conductivity variation under magnetic response.
- Evaluation of its performance in reducing temperature differences and deviations in electronic devices.
Main Results:
- The flexible thermal switch demonstrated reversible thermal conductivity variation from 0.261 to 3.426 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, achieving a thermal switching ratio of 13.1.
- It reduced the temperature difference between a device and its environment by approximately 57.9% in the 'on' state.
- The switch effectively lowered the temperature deviation in a foldable smartphone heat source by 10.2%.
Conclusions:
- The developed magnetic flexible thermal switch offers dynamic and continuous thermal conductivity control.
- It shows significant potential for smart thermal management in diverse applications, including curved and wearable devices.
- This technology opens new avenues for thermal solutions in soft robotics and foldable electronics.
Keywords:
flexible thermal switchhigh switching ratioliquid metalreversible thermal regulationsmart thermal managementMore Related Videos
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