3ω techniques for measurement of volumetric heat capacity and anisotropic thermal conductivity of a solution processable, hybrid organic/inorganic film, Te-PEDOT:PSS

Abstract

Measuring the thermal properties of anisotropic films of hybrid materials poses a challenge to existing metrology techniques. We have developed a new approach for measuring the volumetric heat capacity and anisotropic thermal conductivity of these systems using the 3ω method. While there exist many avenues for measuring the thermal properties of thin films, most carry with them difficult requirements such as smooth surfaces or advanced lithography. Here, we present measurements of a film's in-plane and cross-plane conductance and its volumetric heat capacity using relatively simple sample configurations, each requiring a single heater. For the measurement of volumetric heat capacity, we present a new model fitting method, relying on a standard film-on-substrate configuration. For the measurement of in-plane thermal conductance by 3ω, we have developed the use of an embedded micro-wire heater in suspended drop cast films, allowing for a 12  μm wide heater without the need for advanced lithography. We also expose the surprisingly significant effect of thermal radiation in the suspended film measurement and its associated error. Our measurements reveal a large anisotropy in the thermal conductivity of our test material, Te-PEDOT:PSS, of kin-plane/ kcross-plane = 19, consistent with the nanoscale morphology of the material.