Ultrastrong Boron Frameworks in ZrB<sub>12</sub> : A Highway for Electron Conducting.

Ma, Teng; Li, Hui; Zheng, Xu; Wang, Shanmin; Wang, Xiancheng; Zhao, Huaizhou; Han, Songbai; Liu, Jian et al. · Adv Mater · 2017

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

ZrB<sub>12</sub> , 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 ZrB<sub>12</sub> 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.