Abstract
Isotopically purified semiconductors potentially dissipate heat better than their natural, isotopically mixed counterparts as they have higher thermal conductivity (κ). But the benefit is low for Si at room temperature, amounting to only ∼10% higher κ for bulk ^{28}Si than for bulk natural Si (^{nat}Si). We show that in stark contrast to this bulk behavior, ^{28}Si (99.92% enriched) nanowires have up to 150% higher κ than ^{nat}Si nanowires with similar diameters and surface morphology. Using a first-principles phonon dispersion model, this giant isotope effect is attributed to a mutual enhancement of isotope scattering and surface scattering of phonons in ^{nat}Si nanowires, correlated via transmission of phonons to the native amorphous SiO_{2} shell. The Letter discovers the strongest isotope effect of κ at room temperature among all materials reported to date and inspires potential applications of isotopically enriched semiconductors in microelectronics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
