Carbon Nitride: A Breakthrough in Material Science

searcher · Feb 23, 2024

Carbon Nitride: A Breakthrough in Material Science

After decades of research, scientists have successfully synthesized carbon nitrides, demonstrating exceptional hardness and heat resistance comparable to diamond.
The breakthrough opens doors for a range of industrial applications, including solar panels, protective coatings, and high-endurance cutting tools.
Carbon nitride's potential as a multifunctional material positions it as a strong contender in various industries, although further testing and cost-effective production methods are needed for widespread adoption.

University of Edinburgh scientists have solved a decades-long puzzle and unveiled a near unbreakable substance that could rival diamond, as the hardest material on earth. Experts say the breakthrough opens doors for multifunctional materials to be used for industrial purposes including solar panels and photodetectors, protective coatings for cars and spaceships, and high-endurance cutting tools.

The report about the successful production has been published in Advanced Materials.

Researchers found that when carbon and nitrogen precursors were subjected to extreme heat and pressure, the resulting materials – known as carbon nitrides – were tougher than cubic boron nitride, the second hardest material after diamond.

Materials researchers have attempted to unlock the potential of carbon nitrides since the 1980s, when scientists first noticed their exceptional properties, including high resistance to heat. Yet after more than three decades of research and multiple attempts to synthesize them, no credible results were reported.

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