Single-crystal diamond of very high thermal conductivity

摘要

Single-crystal diamond consisting of isotopically pure carbon-12 or carbon-13 has been found to have a thermal conductivity higher than that of any substance previously known, typically at least 40% higher than that of naturally occurring IIA diamond. It may be prepared by a method comprising comminution of diamond of high isotopic purity, such as that obtained by low pressure chemical vapor deposition employing an isotopically pure hydrocarbon in combination with hydrogen, followed by conversion of the comminuted diamond to single-crystal diamond by diffusion under high pressure through a metallic catalyst-solvent material to a region containing a diamond seed crystal.