An Electrically Controlled Heat Rectifier using Graphene Nanoribbons

Paper in proceeding, 2019

Using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations we propose that splitting a graphene nanoribbon into two unequal strained sections using external force leads to large asymmetry in the forward and reverse heat fluxes. We find that the corresponding rectification ratio (RR) is enhanced to 60% compared to previous proposals. More importantly, the polarity of the proposed heat diode is controllable on-the-fly i.e. by changing the position where force is applied. This technique obviates the complex nano-patterning and lithography required to pattern graphene every time a new rectification value or sign is sought for and opens a route to simpler fabrication of phononic devices in 2D materials.