Review of thermal conductivity of gold nanoparticle composites

Abstract Nanocomposites are defined as a combination of two or more components, wherein at least one of these components is on the nanoscale. Applications requiring increased thermal conductivity are demonstrating interest in nanocomposites based on conductive nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), that are currently the subject of intense investigation due to their amazing thermal, electronic, and optical properties. Because of their remarkable stability, high conductivity, and high ability to create strong chemical interactions with groups, including organic ligands or polymers. In addition, adjustable production, simple surface modification, nontoxicity, low resistance, and strong light interaction. All these numerous advantages made AuNPs ideally suited for a variety of application areas, including environmental science, biomedicine, sensors, and nano-electronics. Various factors affect the properties of AuNPs, including particle size and shape, concentration, temperature, surface functionalization, covalent functionalization, and base fluid material are responsible for the variation of thermal conductivity. There is a main gap in a broad analysis, offering a cohesive view on the preparation of thesis materials, their properties, their characteristics, the highest challenges, and future perspectives. This review aims to fill this gap and summarizes the recent developments in the thermal properties of AuNPs of nanocomposites and the mechanisms by which AuNPs enhance thermal conductivity and the heat transfer properties of various composite matrices, such as graphene and polymers. In addition, it discusses how interfacial thermal resistance is reduced and highlights how the size, shape, concentration, and distribution of the nanoparticles affect the overall thermal conductivity of the composites. Comparative evaluation of Au nanocomposite with other NPs in enhancing conductivity and challenges and future directions will be carried out as well.