Heat transport in 2D van der Waals heterostructures: An analytical modeling approach

Synthesis of multi-layered nanostructures has led to better management of the heat transfer at the nanoscale. There are several parameters that affect this phenomenon, among them, geometrical features of the layers and their interconnections should be deeply analyzed. In this paper, heat transfer in a two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructure consisting of a finite length layer coated on top of a longer under-layer is investigated based on a newly developed analytical model. Accordingly, the in-plane and the cross-plane heat fluxes are thoroughly studied along with the temperature profile within the layers. It is demonstrated that by increasing the overlaying length, the thermal transport capability of the system enhances, and the temperature jump between the layers diminishes. Additionally, the results reveal that by increasing the cross-plane to in-plane thermal conductivity ratio, the total heat flow enhances in the heterostructure. Moreover, for the heterolayers with different types of materials, influence of the thermal conductivity of the finite top layer on the overall heat transport is systematically examined. The results of this study can be practically used in the thermal design of two-dimensional van der Waals hetemstructures.