Energy flow and thermo-electricity in atomic and molecular junctions

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress in understanding energy transport mechanisms at the nanoscale, especially in molecular junctions and atomic wires, covering thermal conductivity, thermoelectricity, and related phenomena.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive survey of theoretical and experimental advances in nanoscale energy flow, highlighting key physical mechanisms and future research directions.

Findings

Insights into thermal conductivity in nanostructures

Advances in thermoelectricity understanding

Analysis of energy current and temperature relations

Abstract

Advances in the fabrication and characterization of nanoscale systems now allow for a deeper understanding of one of the most basic issues in science and technology: the flow of energy at the microscopic level. In this Colloquium we survey recent advances and present understanding of physical mechanisms of energy transport in nanostructures, focusing mainly on molecular junctions and atomic wires. We examine basic issues such as thermal conductivity, thermoelectricity, local temperature and heating, and the relation between energy current density and temperature gradient - known as Fourier's law. We critically report on both theoretical and experimental progress in each of these issues, and discuss future research opportunities in the field.