Thermal boundary resistance at the graphene-oil interface

In this work, using molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that it is possible to significantly reduce the Kapitza resistance [P. L. Kapitza, J. Phys. (USSR) 4, 181 (1941)] at the graphene sheet-liquid octane interface by appropriately functionalizing the graphene sheets. The key concept is that the functional groups, to be effective, must show vibrational modes compatible with those of the organic matrix. Because functionalizing graphene sheets at their edges should not compromise their exceptional intrinsic thermal-transport properties, our results suggest a practical recipe for manufacturing high-thermal-transport polymeric nanocomposites. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3251794]