Rational design of nanohybrids for highly thermally conductive polymer composites

Abstract With the miniaturization, integration and functionalization of electronic devices and the emergence of some new applications including lighting components, wearable electronics, and energy storage systems, extensive efforts have been dedicated to developing highly thermally conductive polymer-based composites. Especially, the nanohybrids constructed with various geometrically dissimilar thermally conductive nanofillers, as a fascinating building block for manufacturing advanced thermally conductive composites, have sparked intensive interest of researchers during the past few years. In this short review, we summarize the recent progresses on the nanohybrids for preparing highly thermally conductive polymer composites. The construction strategies of nanohybrids, thermal conduction mechanisms, structure-properties relationships as well as their potential applications are highlighted. Finally, the future potentials and challenges in this active research field are prospected.