Neuron-inspired structure towards ultra-high thermal conductivity of Mg-based materials

Abstract

The remarkable lightweight characteristics of magnesium (Mg) offer significant advantages in 5G communication, 3C products, and new energy vehicles. Yet, the unsatisfactory thermal conductivity of Mg alloys presents formidable challenges in accommodating the advancement of high power density, highly integrated, and miniaturized electronic components in the era of intelligence. Here, inspired by the neurons in the human brain, cell body-like graphite flakes (GF) and axon-like carbon fibers (CF) are constructed into a neuron-inspired structure through pre-mixed & laid powder stir casting (PPSC). Drawing inspiration from the myelin sheath of neurons, a biomimetic interfacial structure is constructed in situ to ensure efficient heat conduction. The neuron-inspired Mg-based materials at a GF:CF volume ratio of 1:3 display an ultrahigh and isotropic thermal conductivity of 200.5 W/(m·K) (393 % of the common cast Mg alloys, AZ91D) and an exceptional low density of 1.80 g/cm³. This epitomizes the zenith of comprehensive properties among all thermal management materials reported to date. The ingeniously devised neuron-inspired structure, myelin sheath biomimetic interface, and tunable GF-CF volume ratio co-contribute to the superior thermal conductivity. This work offers an advanced biomimetic strategy towards the development of next-generation lightweight thermal management materials.