Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2025
08:00
DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers
Published on: October 25, 2017
6.9K
The Stiffest and Strongest Predicted Material: C2 N Atomic Chains Approach the Theoretical Limits
Enlai Gao1, Hang Yang1, Yongzhe Guo1
1Department of Engineering Mechanics, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|April 23, 2023
Summary
The study developed an algorithm to create novel atomic chains of boron, carbon, and nitrogen. The carbon-nitrogen (C2N) chain exhibits record-breaking stiffness and strength, surpassing all known materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Computational Chemistry
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Linear atomic chains possess unique, extreme properties.
- Optimizing these properties through elemental composition requires further investigation.
- Boron, carbon, and nitrogen are promising elements for high-modulus and high-strength atomic chains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an algorithm for constructing and analyzing atomic chains of boron, carbon, and nitrogen.
- To explore the stability and mechanical properties of these chains.
- To identify compositions that maximize modulus and strength.
Main Methods:
- Algorithm development for constructing atomic chains (≤6 atoms per primitive cell).
- First-principles calculations to determine stability and mechanical properties.
- Comparative analysis of elemental chain properties.
Main Results:
- 143 possible atomic chains were constructed and analyzed.
- The C2N chain demonstrated unprecedented gravimetric modulus (1032 GPa g⁻¹ cm³) and strength (108 GPa g⁻¹ cm³).
- These properties approach theoretical limits and exceed previously predicted materials like C and BC chains.
Conclusions:
- The C2N chain exhibits superior mechanical properties due to short, stiff bonding and unique behavior under tension.
- The findings suggest C2N chains are promising candidates for advanced materials.
- Potential fabrication routes and ease of synthesis for C2N chains are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
02:40Chemical Bonds
16.8K
Atoms participate in a chemical bond formation to acquire a completed valence-shell electron configuration similar to that of the noble gas nearest to it in atomic number. Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds are some of the important types of chemical bonds. Bond energy and bond length determine the strength of a chemical bond.
Types of Chemical Bonds
An ionic bond is formed due to electrostatic attraction between cations and anions. Often, the ions are formed by the transfer of electrons...
16.8K
02:18Network Covalent Solids
13.6K
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
13.6K
01:18Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments
21.2K
Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
21.2K
02:11Conformations of Cyclohexane
12.7K
Cyclohexane does not exist in a planar form due to the high angle and torsional strain it would experience in the planar structure. Instead, it adopts non-planar chair and boat conformations.
The chair form is the most stable and derives its name from its resemblance to the “easy chair.” In the chair conformation, two carbon atoms are arranged out-of-plane — one above and one below, minimizing the torsional strain. In the chair form, the bond angle is very close to the ideal...
The chair form is the most stable and derives its name from its resemblance to the “easy chair.” In the chair conformation, two carbon atoms are arranged out-of-plane — one above and one below, minimizing the torsional strain. In the chair form, the bond angle is very close to the ideal...
12.7K
02:37Metallic Solids
18.5K
Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
18.5K
01:12Carbon Skeletons
107.9K
Life on Earth is carbon-based, as all macromolecules that make up living organisms contain carbon atoms. All organic compounds have a carbon backbone. Each carbon atom is tetravalent and can bond with four other atoms, making it an extraordinarily flexible component of biological molecules. Because carbon’s valence electrons are stable, it rarely becomes an ion. As the carbon chain increases in length, structural modifications such as ring structures, double bonds, and branching side...
107.9K