Ruan Rectification (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption Researchers are proposing a new technology that controls the flow of heat the way electronic devices control electrical current. Triangular graphene nanoribbons (a) are proposed as a new thermal rectifier, in which the heat flow in one direction is larger than that in the opposite direction. Thermal rectification (b) is not limited to graphene, but can also be seen in other "asymmetric nanostructure materials" including thin films, pyramidal quantum dots, nanocones and triangles. (Purdue University image) A publication-quality graphic is available at http://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2014/ruan-rectification.jpg Credit Purdue University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.