High lattice thermal conductivity solids

Abstract

The lattice thermal conductivity κ of various classes of crystalline solids is reviewed, with emphasis on materials with κ > 0.5Wcm -1K-1. A simple model for the magnitude of the lattice thermal conductivity at temperatures near the Debye temperature is presented and compared to experimental data on rocksalt, zincblende, diamond, and wurtzite structure compounds, graphite, silicon nitride and related materials, and icosahedral boron compounds. The thermal conductivity of wide-band-gap Group IV and Group III-V semiconductors is discussed, and the enhancement of lattice thermal conductivity by isotopic enrichment is considered. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.