One-way heat diode could help batteries run cooler and last longer

University of Houston engineers have developed a novel thermal rectification technique that enables heat to flow in only one direction, akin to an electrical diode but for heat. This breakthrough allows unprecedented control over device temperatures by permitting forward heat transfer while completely blocking reverse flow. Achieved through semiconductor materials subjected to a magnetic field, this innovation precisely controls radiative heat at the microscopic level, addressing the longstanding challenge of managing heat that traditionally spreads in all directions and causes overheating in electronics. The technology promises to extend battery life in cell phones, electric vehicles, satellites, and improve efficiency in AI data centers by maintaining optimal operating temperatures even under extreme conditions. Beyond unidirectional heat flow, the research team is also developing a thermal circulator device that moves radiative heat in a continuous loop among multiple surfaces, further enhancing thermal management capabilities. Additionally, a companion study demonstrates that asymmetric thermal conductivity can enable conduction heat rectification, bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications for microchips and high-performance batteries. This technology holds particular promise for space