The Structure and Thermal Conductivity Principle of Diamond

Diamond is a tetrahedral crystal structure formed by covalent bonding of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom forms a strong covalent bond with the surrounding four carbon atoms, which gives diamond extremely high stability and unique physical properties.

 

Its thermal conductivity principle is mainly based on the phonon conduction mechanism. In diamond crystals, the vibration of carbon atoms transfers heat in the form of phonons. Due to the strong covalent bonds and regular crystal structure of diamond, the scattering probability of phonons in it is extremely small, and it can propagate heat at extremely high speeds. Unlike metals, which mainly rely on free electron conduction, diamond's phonon conduction method allows it to maintain good thermal conductivity at high temperatures and does not cause a decrease in thermal conductivity due to factors such as electron scattering, unlike metals.