Breakthrough in Thermal Conductivity: Boron Arsenide Surpasses Diamond

Researchers at the University of Houston, in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Boston College, have made a significant breakthrough in thermal conductivity by demonstrating that boron arsenide (BAs) can achieve thermal conductivity exceeding 2,100 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/mK) at room temperature. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that diamond is the best heat conductor among isotropic materials. The findings were published on October 10, 2025, in the journal *Materials Today*.

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide DiscoveryBoron Arsenide Just Surpassed Diamond in Heat TransferTechnology Networks

The study, led by Professor Zhifeng Ren and his team at the Texas Center for Superconductivity, began with the premise that higher purity in boron arsenide crystals could enhance thermal conductivity. Previous models had suggested that BAs was limited to around 1,360 W/mK due to four-phonon scattering effects. However, Ren's team believed that using purer materials could yield better results. By refining their synthesis techniques and using ultrapure arsenic, they successfully produced cleaner BAs crystals that surpassed theoretical expectations.

Boron Arsenide Just Surpassed Diamond in Heat Transfer

The implications of this discovery are profound, particularly for the electronics industry. Boron arsenide not only outperforms diamond in thermal conductivity but also surpasses silicon, the current standard semiconductor material. Key advantages of BAs include its lower manufacturing costs and superior thermal management properties, making it a promising candidate for applications in high-powered electronics, electric vehicles, and data centers. Ren stated, “This new material, it's so wonderful... It has the best properties of a good semiconductor, and a good thermal conductor.”

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide DiscoveryTechnology NetworksBoron Arsenide Just Surpassed Diamond in Heat Transfer

Despite the excitement surrounding this breakthrough, some researchers remain cautious. Theoretical models that previously capped BAs' thermal conductivity may need reevaluation to align with the new experimental data. Ren has invited theorists to reconsider existing models to explore the potential for even greater thermal conductors in the future.

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide Discovery

Ren emphasized the importance of not allowing theoretical constraints to hinder scientific discovery, stating, “You shouldn’t let a theory prevent you from discovering something even bigger.” This sentiment reflects the broader scientific community's need to adapt and evolve in light of new findings.

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide Discovery

The research team plans to continue refining their materials and exploring the limits of boron arsenide's thermal conductivity. With ongoing support from a $2.8 million National Science Foundation grant and industrial sponsorship from Qorvo, the potential applications of BAs in next-generation heat management materials and electronics are set to expand significantly in the coming years.

Boron Arsenide Just Surpassed Diamond in Heat Transfer

• “We trust our measurement; our data is correct and that means the theory needs correction.” — Zhifeng Ren, Professor, University of Houston

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide Discovery

• “It has the best properties of a good semiconductor, and a good thermal conductor — all sorts of good properties in one material.” — Zhifeng Ren, Professor, University of Houston

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide Discovery

• “You shouldn’t let a theory prevent you from discovering something even bigger, and this exactly happened in this work,” — Zhifeng Ren, Professor, University of Houston

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide Discovery

This groundbreaking research not only reshapes our understanding of thermal conductivity but also opens new avenues for innovation in material science and technology.

UH Researchers Help Break Thermal Conductivity Barrier with Boron Arsenide Discovery