Ultralow thermal conductivity in organoclay nanolaminates synthesized via simple self-assembly

Nano Lett. 2013 May 8;13(5):2215-9. doi: 10.1021/nl4007326. Epub 2013 Apr 18.

Abstract

Because interfaces impede phonon transport of thermal energy, nanostructuring can transform fully dense solids into ultralow thermal conductivity materials. Here we report a simple self-assembly approach to synthesizing organoclay nanolaminates with cross-planar thermal conductivities below 0.10 W m(-1) K(-1)-a 5-fold decrease compared to unmodified clay. These organoclays are produced via alkylammonium cation exchange with colloidally dispersed montmorillonite clay sheets followed by solvent casting. Time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) is used to evaluate the thermal conductivity of the organoclay nanolaminates. Variations in both organic layer thickness and cation chemistry are investigated. At these interface densities (1.0-1.5 interfaces/nm), we demonstrate that thermal conductivity is relatively independent of nanolaminate spacing. A simple series resistance model describes the behavior and gives an interfacial thermal conductance value of ≈150 MW m(-2) K(-1) for the organic/clay interface, consistent with similar organic-inorganic interfaces. The wide range of compositional substitutions and structural variations possible in these materials, make organoclays a versatile new platform for investigating the underlying physics of nanolaminate structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Silicates / chemical synthesis*
  • Aluminum Silicates / chemistry
  • Clay
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature*

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Clay