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UCLA Discovers Superior Heat-Conducting Material for Electronics

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

UCLA researchers report theta-phase tantalum nitride has the highest thermal conductivity measured among metals.
The material conducts heat nearly three times as efficiently as copper or silver.
As AI technologies grow, demand for better heat dissipation increases due to copper's limits.
The findings were published in the journal Science, highlighting that theta-phase tantalum nitride could serve as a superior thermal-management material for electronic devices.

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Story summary

UCLA researchers report theta-phase tantalum nitride has the highest thermal conductivity measured among metals.
The material conducts heat nearly three times as efficiently as copper or silver.
As AI technologies grow, demand for better heat dissipation increases due to copper's limits.
The findings were published in the journal Science, highlighting that theta-phase tantalum nitride could serve as a superior thermal-management material for electronic devices.