Experimental study on the porous structure and heat dissipation characteristics of multiwalled carbon nanotube films with added cellulose nanocrystals

Abstract

Optimizing the nanostructure of composite materials is crucial for enhancing thermal management performance in various applications. One longstanding challenge has been achieving controlled porosity and dispersion in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This study introduces a novel approach by introducing cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as a key factor for structural modification. Unlike traditional methods that primarily focus on dispersion or conductivity, this research addresses the critical issue of controlling porosity and nanostructure in MWCNT films by adjusting CNC concentrations. Using a straightforward vacuum filtration technique, the study demonstrates that varying CNC concentrations allows for precise control over the pore structure, resulting in films with significantly reduced porosity. Notably, a 1:1 MWCNT-to-CNC (MW_CN2) ratio achieves a 21.76 % reduction in porosity, which corresponds to a 24 % decrease in surface temperature when compared to MWCNTs-only film, as observed in LED chip experiments. In addition to these performance enhancements, this research uncovers a previously unreported mechanism: CNC not only modifies the porous and non-porous characteristics of MWCNT films but also improves the material's thermal conductivity by influencing the interfacial interactions between the nanotubes. This study presents an innovative and effective strategy for enhancing thermal management in electronic devices, providing valuable insights for designing materials optimized for heat transfer applications. © 2025 The Authors