Revolutionizing heat management with high-performance cerium oxide thermal switches

Thermal switches electrically control heat transfer and are critical to the development of advanced thermal management systems. Historically, electrochemical thermal switches have been limited by poor performance, which has hindered their widespread application in electronics, energy, and waste heat recovery.

A research team led by Professor Hiromichi Ohta from the Institute of Electronic Science at Hokkaido University adopted a method using cerium oxide (CeO₂) films as active materials in thermal switches offer an efficient and sustainable alternative. Their findings were published in scientific progress.

The research team showed that CeO₂Thermal switch-based performance can exceed previous benchmarks. “This new device has an on/off thermal conductivity ratio of 5.8 and a thermal conductivity of (gentlemen)-switch width of 10.3 W/m·K, setting a new benchmark for electrochemical thermal switching,” Ohta explains. “The thermal conductivity in the minimum state (off state) is 2.2 W/m·K, but in the oxidized state (on state), it rises significantly to 12.5 W/m·K. These performance indicators are consistent with 100 reduction and oxidation cycles. remain consistent throughout the entire life cycle, demonstrating excellent durability and reliability over long periods of use in practical applications.

A significant advantage of this technology is the utilization of cerium oxide, an earth-abundant substance recognized for its economic viability and ecological sustainability. Compared with traditional thermal switches that rely on scarce and expensive materials, CeO₂ Providing a sustainable and easy-to-use alternative that reduces the cost and ecological footprint of thermal management solutions. This increases the efficiency, scalability and applicability of the technology in different industrial sectors.

Development of Cerium Dioxide₂Thermal switches based on thermal switches represent a major breakthrough in thermal management technology and provide a wide range of applications in industries such as electronic cooling and renewable energy systems. Used in thermal shutters and advanced displays, these switches effectively regulate infrared heat transfer, enhance waste heat recovery, and help achieve energy-efficient systems.