Noncovalently assembled nanotubular porous layers for delaying of heating surface failure

Thermal management to prevent extreme heat surge in integrated electronic systems and nuclear reactors is a critical issue. To delay the thermal surge on the heater effectively, we report the benefit of a three dimensional nanotubular porous layer via noncovalent interactions (hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonds). To observe the contribution of individual noncovalent interactions in a porous network formation, pristine carbon nanotubes (PCNTs) and oxidatively functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) were compared. Hydrogen-bonded interwoven nanotubular porous layer showed approximately two times critical heat flux (CHF) increase compared to that of a plain surface. It is assumed that the hydrophilic group-tethered nanotubular porous wicks and enhanced fluidity are the main causes for promoting the CHF increase. Reinforced hydrophilicity assists liquid spreading and capillarity-induced liquid pumping, which are estimated by using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. Also, shear induced thermal conduction, thermal boundary reduction, and rheology of nanoparticles could attribute to CHF enhancement phenomena.