Ultrastrong Boron Frameworks in ZrB12 : A Highway for Electron Conducting

Adv Mater. 2017 Jan;29(3). doi: 10.1002/adma.201604003. Epub 2016 Nov 15.

Abstract

ZrB12 , with a high symmetrical cubic structure, possesses both high hardness ≈27.0 GPa and ultralow electrical resistivity ≈18 µΩ cm at room temperature. Both the superior conductivity and hardness of ZrB12 are associated with the extended BB 3D covalent bonding network as it is not only favorable for achieving high hardness, but also provides conducting channels for transporting electrons.

Keywords: 3D boron frameworks; delocalized π-bonds; metallic electric resistivity.