Dynamic rectification in a thermal diode based on fluid-solid interfaces: Contrasting behavior of soft materials and fluids

We have used molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate that significant rectification is possible in nano-devices by manipulating solid-fluid interfaces between a thin solid wall and a soft material. In addition, the nature of the rectification is opposite to that for a solid wall and a simpler polar fluid (e.g., water). This thus opens the possibilities of reversing the direction of rectification in a nano-device which could lead to more …