High thermal conductive capillary architecture Cu-diamond composite heat sink
May21, 2025
High thermal conductive capillary architecture Cu-diamond composite heat sink
Background:
Advanced electronic and aerospace systems are facing rapidly increasing heat and power densities, demanding next-generation cooling solutions.
Traditional high-thermal-conductivity materials like copper (Cu) (400 W/m·K) are no longer sufficient for heat fluxes reaching 1,000 W/cm².
Diamond-reinforced copper (Cu-diamond) composites are promising due to diamond’s high thermal conductivity and Cu’s industrial scalability.
Innovation:
A bioinspired Cu-diamond composite with:
Ultrahigh thermal conductivity of 688.8 ± 142.1 W/(m·K) at just 42.1% ± 3.2% diamond volume.
A diamond-seeding electrodeposition technique creates defect-free bonding between Cu and diamond, overcoming traditional limitations like voids and poor interfaces.
Key Advances:
Diamond-Seeding Method:
Immobilized diamond particles act as seeds for Cu matrix deposition.
Produces void-free, well-bonded interfaces, essential for efficient thermal transfer.
Bioinspired Surface Engineering:
Inspired by Sarracenia plant trichomes, laser-ablated graded superhydrophilic microchannels are formed on the composite surface.
These channels achieve record-breaking capillary velocity of 134.9 mm/s, surpassing natural systems by over 1,050%.
Structures include nano/micro-cavities, papillae, and slits that enhance liquid wicking and replenishment for sustained boiling/evaporation.
Synergistic Cooling Mechanism:
Combines high TC of the bulk Cu-diamond with efficient phase-change heat transfer via the bioinspired surface.
Demonstrates superior thermal response and cooling performance, paving the way for compact, high-performance cooling systems.
Applications and Impact:
The composite is positioned as a next-generation thermal management material for:
High-power electronics
Aerospace components
Renewable energy systems
Represents a scalable, cost-effective approach by marrying materials engineering with nature-inspired design.
Further readings please click below
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-physical-science/fulltext/S2666-3864(25)00193-6?uuid=uuid%3A6b601fd6-e630-4c61-a826-d74dffea76f1
