Tuning the Thermal Transport Properties of Graphene via Nanoconstriction Network

With the molecular dynamics simulations, we found that the nanoconstriction resistance arising from the single-constriction is inversely proportional to the constriction width, which can be well described by the two-dimensional ballistic resistance model we proposed. More importantly, after the nanoconstrictions are networked, the results elucidate a parallel relationship between ballistic resistances in parallel system, weather the constrictions are of equal width or not, and especially, a complicated superimposed effect of arrangement mode on ballistic resistances in series system, which could cause a decrease or further increase in the ballistic resistance. Thus, with the networked nanoconstrictions method, the thermal transport property of graphene could be tuned over a wider range. And we believe this route will effectively expand potential applications of two-dimensional graphene and also pave the way for three-dimensional materials in the future.