Research advances in heat transfer regulation based on thermal metamaterials

<p indent="0mm">Thermal metamaterials, embodying a unique material design concept, have received increasing attention in recent years and have gradually become a scientific frontier in fields such as thermal management and energy transfer. Through the distinctive structural design, thermal metamaterials can systematically regulate the external temperature field. The special designed structure allows the heat flux to transfer along predefined paths, enabling control functions not inherent in conventional materials. We first introduce the basic theoretical methods of thermal metamaterials. Then, based on the different heat transfer modes, intelligent switching effects, multi-physical fields and multi-functional effects, and novel physical effects, we review recent research advances on thermal metamaterials, and classify various heat transfer manipulation behaviors. Finally, combining practical engineering applications and national strategic development needs, we make some prospects about the potential of thermal metamaterials in the fields of chip cooling, biomedicine, aerospace, etc., which play an important role in advancing technological progress and addressing practical problems.