Heat management and thermal shielding techniques using compressed carbon nanotube aerogel materials

摘要

Compressed carbon nanotube aerogel materials can be used in heat management and thermal shielding applications. Methods for heat management and thermal shielding of an object can include placing a compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material between an object and its surrounding environment, and establishing a thermal gradient within the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material by exposing the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material to the object or to the surrounding environment. When the object and the surrounding environment are in thermal communication with one another, the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material can reduce an amount of heat transferred between the object and the surrounding environment. As a result of establishing the thermal gradient within the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material, an electric current may be generated in some instances.