Graphene Based Thermal Management Devices

Abstract

Thermal management devices comprising compositions comprising graphene sheets and compositions comprising graphene sheets and at least one thermally conductive, non-electrically conductive compound. The thermal management devices of the present invention comprise compositions comprising graphene sheets, and other components such as electrically conductive materials. By thermal management device is meant a device or component of a device that is designed or used to generate, spread, disperse, otherwise handle or manage the flow of heat. Examples include heaters, heating elements, heat sinks, thermal diffusion devices, heat spreaders, coolers, thermally conductive adhesives, thermally conductive gaskets and seals. The thermal management devices can be flexible and made to conform to surfaces. They can be crease resistant and thin. They can be used in items such as apparel, bags, gear, etc.

1 . A thermal management device, comprising a composition comprising graphene sheets. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one polymer. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one electrically and/or thermally conductive additive. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the thermally conductive additive is at least one metal oxide. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the metal oxide is one or more selected from iron(II) oxide, iron(I,II) oxide (magnetite), iron (III) oxide, and alumina. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the graphene sheets have a surface area of at least about 300 m2/g. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the graphene sheets have a surface area of at least about 400 m2/g. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the graphene sheets have a carbon to oxygen molar ratio of at least about 25:1. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the graphene sheets have a carbon to oxygen molar ratio of at least about 75:1. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one polymeric binder. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is in the form of an ink or coating. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal management device is a heater or heater component. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , in the form of a heat spreader, heat diffuser, or heat sink. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , in the form of a cooling device. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is an ink or coating. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises an ink or coating applied to at least a portion of a polymeric substrate. 
     
     
         17 . An article of apparel comprising the device of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         18 . A composition, comprising graphene sheets and at least one thermally conductive, non-electrically conductive compound. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 18 , wherein the thermally conductive compound is at least one metal oxide. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 19 , wherein the non-electrically conductive compound is one or more selected from iron(II) oxide, iron(I,II) oxide (magnetite), iron (III) oxide, iron(II) sulfide, and alumina. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 18 , further comprising at least one polymer.