Trends in sustainable materials for passive thermal management in 5G enabled portable electronics

Abstract

The requirement for passive thermal regulation in portable electronic devices enabled by 5G has escalated due to the significant heat produced during the operation of devices, resulting in a detrimental rise in human body temperature and reduced device longevity. This article explores various materials, such as hydrogels, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and phase-change materials (PCMs), which utilize natural convection and radiation to dissipate heat from the device, and their potential challenges and solutions for improvement. Hydrogels are not an optimal material due to their lack of cyclic stability and limited water adsorption capability, while MOFs are expensive and PCMs struggle with internal leakage during the solid-to-liquid transition. Thus, insights into novel hybrid materials and their potential for thermal resistance have been discussed. The study considers material marketing and sustainability. To enhance material performance, early-stage inclusion of recyclable, biomass-derived, or environmentally beneficial materials is recommended. Addressing the heat issue in 5G-enabled portable electronics, the article introduces practical passive thermal management materials.