Tuning Phonon Transport: From Interfaces to Nanostructures

A wide range of modern technological devices utilize materials structured at the nanoscale to improve performance. The efficiencies of many of these devices depend on their thermal transport properties; whether a high or low conductivity is desirable, control over thermal transport is crucial to the continued development of device performance. Here we review recent experimental, computational, and theoretical studies that have highlighted potential methods for controlling phonon-mediated heat transfer. We discuss those parameters that affect thermal boundary conductance, such as interface morphology and material composition, as well as the emergent effects due to several interfaces in close proximity, as in a multilayered structure or superlattice. Furthermore, we explore future research directions as well as some of the challenges related to improving device thermal performance through the implementation of phonon engineering techniques.