Multilayer Graphene as an Endoreversible Otto Engine

We examine the performance of a finite-time, endoreversible Otto heat engine with a working medium of monolayer or multilayered graphene subjected to an external magnetic field. As the energy spectrum of multilayer graphene under an external magnetic field depends strongly on the number of layers, so too does its thermodynamic behavior. We show that this leads to a simple relationship between the engine efficiency and the number of layers of graphene in the working medium. Furthermore, we find that the efficiency at maximum power for bilayer and trilayer working mediums can exceed that of a classical endoreversible Otto cycle. Conversely, a working medium of monolayer graphene displays identical efficiency at maximum power to a classical working medium. These results demonstrate that layered graphene can be a useful material for the construction of efficient thermal machines for diverse quantum device applications.

Automated summary

This study examines the performance of a finite-time, endoreversible Otto heat engine with a working medium of monolayer or multilayered graphene under an external magnetic field. The energy spectrum of multilayered graphene is strongly dependent on the number of layers, which affects its thermodynamic behavior. The engine efficiency is found to have a simple relationship with the number of layers of graphene in the working medium. Bilayer and trilayer working mediums can achieve higher efficiency at maximum power than a classical endoreversible Otto cycle, while a monolayer graphene working medium has the same efficiency at maximum power as a classical working medium. These findings suggest that layered graphene can be a useful material for constructing efficient thermal machines for various quantum device applications.