Phonon heat conduction in nanostructures

Phonon heat conduction mechanisms in nanostructures may differ significantly from those in macrostructures. In this paper, we illustrate the fundamental differences between heat conduction in nanostructures and macrostructures based on examples we have been working on, including particularly heat conduction in superlattices, nanowires, and nanoparticles. The prospects of control heat conduction in nanostructures through phonon engineering are discussed. Examples are given to demonstrate the importance of nanoscale heat transfer in microelectronics and energy technology. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicates Elsevier SAS.