Ultrafast water permeation of graphene nanoplatelets in phase-change cooling devices

The demand for renewable energy and miniaturised electronic devices has grown stronger since the inception of the 21st century. Consequently, exponential heat generation from these systems ensues which necessitates the need to enhance the current thermal management devices such as heat pipes. In this thesis, two-phase closed thermosyphons and micro heat pipes are utilised. Their thermal performances are enhanced via active and passive surface modification methods using graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) coatings. The enhancement mechanism is attributed to the ultrafast water permeation attribute of GNPs to facilitate ultrafast water movements to improve the heat pipe’s phase change cooling capabilities.