4. Conclusions
The present study is focused primarily upon the thermal transport
characteristics of graphene nanoribbons. The thermal transport
characteristics of graphene nanoribbons are studied using molecular
dynamics simulations and by experimental measurements. A specific heat
flux is imposed through the graphene nanoribbon. The graphene nanoribbon
is considered as a single layer of carbon atoms with each atom bound to
three neighbors in a honeycomb structure. The thermal conductivity is
determined from the temperature gradient obtained and the heat flux
imposed. The thermal properties of the graphene nanoribbon with
different lengths are investigated to determine the structure factors
limiting the heat transfer process. The present study aims to provide a
fundamental understanding of the thermal transport properties of
graphene nanoribbons. Particular emphasis is placed upon the effect of
various factors on the thermal conductivity of graphene nanoribbons
under different conditions. The major conclusions are summarized as
follows:
- The mean free path of phonons depends on the nanoribbon structure and
dimensions.
- The thermal conductivity increases with increasing nanoribbon length.
- Graphene nanoribbons offer tremendous promise for providing enhanced
transport performance.
- Graphene undergoes a metallic-to-semiconducting transition as the
nanoribbon width decreases.
- The properties of graphene nanoribbons are highly dependent on their
width and edge structure.
- The graphene nanoribbons can be derived through the longitudinal
splitting of carbon nanotubes.