This brief review covers the thermoelectric properties of one-dimensional materials, such as nanowires and nanotubes. The highly localised peaks of the electronic density of states near the Fermi levels of these nanostructured materials improve the Seebeck coefficient. Moreover, quantum confinement leads to discrete energy levels and a modified density of states, potentially enhancing electrical conductivity. These electronic effects, coupled with the dominance of Umklapp phonon scattering, which reduces thermal conductivity in one-dimensional materials, can achieve unprecedented thermoelectric efficiency not seen in two-dimensional or bulk materials. Notable advancements include carbon and silicon nanotubes and Bi3Te2, Bi, ZnO, SiC, and Si1-xGex nanowires with significantly reduced thermal conductivity and increased ZT. In all these nanowires and nanotubes, efficiency is explored as a function of the diameter. Among these nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes offer mechanical flexibility and improved thermoelectric performance. Although carbon nanotubes theoretically have high thermal conductivity, the improvement of their Seebeck coefficient due to their low-dimensional structure can compensate for it. Regarding flexibility, economic criteria, ease of fabrication, and weight, carbon nanotubes could be a promising candidate for thermoelectric power generation.

As the traditional aerogel has defects such as poor mechanical properties, complicated preparation process, high energy consumption and non-renewable, wood aerogel as a new generation of aerogel shows unique advantages. With a natural cellulose framework, wood aerogel is a novel nano-porous material exhibiting exceptional properties such as light weight, high porosity, large specific surface area, and low thermal conductivity. Furthermore, its adaptability to further functionalization enables versatile applications across diverse fields. Driven by the imperative for sustainable development, wood aerogel as a renewable and eco-friendly material, has garnered significant attention from researchers. This review introduces preparation methods of wood aerogel based on the top-down strategy and analyzes the factors influencing their key properties intending to obtain wood aerogels with desirable properties. Avenues for realizing its functionality are also explored, and research progress across various domains are surveyed, including oil-water separation, conductivity and energy storage, as well as photothermal conversion. Finally, potential challenges associated with wood aerogel exploitation and utilization are addressed, alongside discussions on future prospects and research directions. The results emphasize the broad research value and future prospects of wood aerogels, which are poised to drive high-value utilization of wood and foster the development of green multifunctional aerogels.

The rapid development of miniaturized, high-frequency, and highly integrated microelectronic devices has brought about critical issues in electromagnetic compatibility and thermal management. In recent years, there has been significant interest in lightweight polymer-based composites that offer both electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and thermal conductivity. One promising approach involves constructing three-dimensional (3D) interconnection networks using functional fillers in the polymer matrix. These networks have been proven effective in enhancing the thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites. This mini-review focuses on the preparation and properties of 3D network-reinforced polymer composites, specifically those incorporating metal, carbon, ceramic, and hybrid networks. By comparing the effects of different filler types and distribution on the composite materials, the advantages of 3D interconnected conductive networks in polymer composites are highlighted. Additionally, this review addresses the challenges faced in the field of multifunctional thermal management and electromagnetic protection materials and provides insights into future development trends and application prospects of 3D structured composites.

This study critically reviews the key aspects of nanoparticles and their impact on molten salts (MSs) for thermal energy storage (TES) in concentrated solar power (CSP). It then conducts a comprehensive analysis of MS nanofluids, focusing on identifying the best combinations of salts and nanoparticles to increase the specific heat capacity (SHC) efficiently. Various methods and approaches for the synthesis of these nanofluids are explained. The article presents different experimental techniques used to characterize nanofluids, including measuring the SHC and thermal conductivity and analyzing particle dispersion. It also discusses the challenges associated with characterizing these nanofluids. The study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind the observed increase in SHC in MS nanofluids. Finally, it summarizes potential areas for future research, highlighting crucial domains for further investigation and advancement.

This article explores the use of phase change materials (PCMs) derived from waste, in energy storage systems. It emphasizes the potential of these PCMs in addressing concerns related to fossil fuel usage and environmental impact. This article also highlights the aspects of these PCMs including reduced reliance on renewable resources minimized greenhouse gas emissions and waste reduction. The study also discusses approaches such as integrating nanotechnology to enhance thermal conductivity and utilizing machine learning and deep learning techniques for predicting dynamic behavior. The article provides an overall view of research on biodegradable waste-based PCMs and how they can play a promising role in achieving energy-efficient and sustainable thermal storage systems. However, specific conclusions drawn from the presented results are not explicitly outlined, leaving room, for investigation and exploration in this evolving field. Artificial neural network (ANN) predictive models for thermal energy storage devices perform differently. With a 4% adjusted mean absolute error, the Gaussian radial basis function kernel Support Vector Regression (SVR) model captured heat-related charging and discharging issues. The ANN model predicted finned tube heat and heat flux better than the numerical model. SVM models outperformed ANN and ANFIS in some datasets. Material property predictions favored gradient boosting, but Linear Regression and SVR models performed better, emphasizing application- and dataset-specific model selection. These predictive models provide insights into the complex thermal performance of building structures, aiding in the design and operation of energy-efficient systems. Biodegradable waste-based PCMs\' sustainability includes carbon footprint, waste reduction, biodegradability, and circular economy alignment. Nanotechnology, machine learning, and deep learning improve thermal conductivity and prediction. Circular economy principles include waste reduction and carbon footprint reduction. Specific results-based conclusions are not stated. Presenting a comprehensive overview of current research highlights biodegradable waste-based PCMs\' potential for energy-efficient and sustainable thermal storage systems.

Many studies on magnetorheological fluid (MRF) have been carried out over the last three decades, highlighting several salient advantages, such as a fast phase change, easy control of the yield stress, and so forth. In particular, several review articles of MRF technology have been reported over the last two decades, summarizing the development of MRFs and their applications. As specific examples, review articles have been published that include the optimization of the particles and carrier liquid to achieve minimum off-state viscosity and maximum yield stress at on-state, the formulation of many constitutive models including the Casson model and the Herschel-Bulkley (H-B) model, sedimentation enhancement using additives and nanosized particles, many types of dampers for automotive suspension and civil structures, medical and rehabilitation devices, MRF polishing technology, the methods of magnetic circuit design, and the synthesis of various controllers. More recently, the effect of the temperature and thermal conductivity on the properties of MRFs and application systems are actively being investigated by several works. However, there is no review article on this issue so far, despite the fact that the thermal problem is one of the most crucial factors to be seriously considered for the development of advanced MRFs and commercial products of application systems. In this work, studies on the thermal conductivity and temperature in MRFs themselves and their temperature-dependent application systems are reviewed, respectively, and principal results are summarized, emphasizing the following: how to reduce the temperature effect on the field-dependent properties of MRFs and how to design an application system that minimizes the thermal effect. It is noted here that the review summary is organized in a chronological format using tables.

There is a recognized need to address the mismanagement of industrial by-products, as their accumulation severely threatens the environment. Efficient reutilizing of industrial waste is indispensable in realizing environment-friendly sustainable development. Towards this end, supervised adoption of controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) can be a solution. CLSM are cement-based materials which are environmentally safe, with self-levelling and self-consolidating properties. CLSM\'s long-term sustainable applications exclusively depend on its geo-environmental properties during and after the construction phase. This comprehensive review explores the impact of geo-environmental properties on the plastic and in-service properties of industrial by-products used for CLSM creation. It critically examines various geo-environmental properties of CLSM comprising interlaced aspects of chemical composition, mineralogical composition, leaching behavior, pH value, and thermal conductivity. It is shown that the geo-environmental properties of CLSM are determined mainly by the characteristics and content of raw materials, wastes, and the quantity of water used in the final blend. Further, the review accentuates the geo-environmental properties\' detrimental effects on the plastic and in-service properties of CLSM. The comprehensive review can aid in effectively utilizing CLSM to reduce environmental concerns while achieving sustainable development.

Amidst the global challenges posed by pollution, escalating energy expenses, and the imminent threat of global warming, the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has become increasingly imperative. Thermoelectricity, a promising form of green energy, can harness waste heat and directly convert it into electricity. This technology has captivated attention for centuries due to its environmentally friendly characteristics, mechanical stability, versatility in size and substrate, and absence of moving components. Its applications span diverse domains, encompassing heat recovery, cooling, sensing, and operating at low and high temperatures. However, developing thermoelectric materials with high-performance efficiency faces obstacles such as high cost, toxicity, and reliance on rare-earth elements. To address these challenges, this comprehensive review encompasses pivotal aspects of thermoelectricity, including its historical context, fundamental operating principles, cutting-edge materials, and innovative strategies. In particular, the potential of one-dimensional nanostructuring is explored as a promising avenue for advancing thermoelectric technology. The concept of one-dimensional nanostructuring is extensively examined, encompassing various configurations and their impact on the thermoelectric properties of materials. The profound influence of one-dimensional nanostructuring on thermoelectric parameters is also thoroughly discussed. The review also provides a comprehensive overview of large-scale synthesis methods for one-dimensional thermoelectric materials, delving into the measurement of thermoelectric properties specific to such materials. Finally, the review concludes by outlining prospects and identifying potential directions for further advancements in the field.

Aluminum alloys have been extensively used as heatproof and heat-dissipation components in automotive and communication industries, and the demand for aluminum alloys with higher thermal conductivity is increasing. Therefore, this review focuses on the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys. First, we formulate the theory of thermal conduction of metals and effective medium theory, and then analyze the effect of alloying elements, secondary phases, and temperature on the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys. Alloying elements are the most crucial factor, whose species, existing states, and mutual interactions significantly affect the thermal conductivity of aluminum. Alloying elements in a solid solution weaken the thermal conductivity of aluminum more dramatically than those in the precipitated state. The characteristics and morphology of secondary phases also affect thermal conductivity. Temperature also affects thermal conductivity by influencing the thermal conduction of electrons and phonons in aluminum alloys. Furthermore, recent studies on the effects of casting, heat treatment, and AM processes on the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys are summarized, in which processes mainly affect thermal conductivity by varying existing states of alloying elements and the morphology of secondary phases. These analyses and summaries will further promote the industrial design and development of aluminum alloys with high thermal conductivity.

Currently, heat accumulation has seriously affected the stabilities and life of electronic devices. Polyimide (PI) film with high thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) has long been held up as an ideal solution for heat dissipation. Based on the thermal conduction mechanisms and classical thermal conduction models, this review presents design ideas of PI films with microscopically ordered liquid crystalline structures which are of great significance for breaking the limit of λ enhancement and describes the construction principles of thermal conduction network in high-λ filler strengthened PI films. Furthermore, the effects of filler type, thermal conduction paths, and interfacial thermal resistances on thermally conductive behavior of PI film are systematically reviewed. Meanwhile, this paper summarizes the reported research and provides an outlook on the future development of thermally conductive PI films. Finally, it is expected that this review will give some guidance to future studies in thermally conductive PI film.