‘Ultra-pure’ boron nitride measures up to high thermal conductivity

"In demonstrating the potential of ultra-pure boron nitride, we now have a material that can be used in the near future to create high performance, high energy efficiency electronics."Martin Kuball, University of Bristol

Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK have successfully demonstrated the high thermal conductivity of a new material, paving the way for safer and more efficient electronic devices – including mobile phones, radars and even electric cars.

By making an ultra-pure version of boron nitride, the team, led by Martin Kuball at the Center for Device Thermography and Reliability (CDTR), were able to measure its thermal conductivity potential for the first time, which, at 550W/mk, is twice that of copper. The researchers report their findings in a paper in Communications Physics.

"Most semiconductor electronics heat up when used," explained Kuball. "The hotter they get, the greater the rate at which they degrade, and their performance diminishes. As we rely more and more upon our electronic devices, it becomes increasingly important to find materials with high thermal conductivity which can extract waste heat.

"Boron nitride is one such material, which was predicted to have a thermal conductivity of 550W/mK, twice that of copper. However, all measurements to date seemed to show its thermal conductivity was much lower. Excitingly, by making this material 'ultra-pure', we have been able to demonstrate for the first time its very high thermal conductivity potential."

According to Kuball, the next step is to start making active electronic devices from boron nitride, as well as integrating it with other semiconductor materials.

"In demonstrating the potential of ultra-pure boron nitride, we now have a material that can be used in the near future to create high performance, high energy efficiency electronics," he said.

"The implications of this discovery are significant. Certainly, our reliance on electronics is only going to increase, along with our use of mobile phones and adoption of electric cars. Using more efficient materials, like boron nitride, to satisfy these demands will lead to better performance mobile phone communication networks, safer transportation and, ultimately, fewer power stations."

This story is adapted from material from the University of Bristol, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier. Link to original source.