How Does Phonon-Phonon Scattering Affect Thermal Conductivity?
Phonon-phonon scattering is one of the primary mechanisms that limit the thermal conductivity of materials. In bulk materials, phonons can travel relatively long distances before scattering. However, in nanostructures, the reduced dimensions increase the likelihood of phonon-phonon interactions. These interactions can scatter phonons, thereby reducing the mean free path and, consequently, the thermal conductivity.
