copper wire tagged posts

Adding a Small Amount of Solid Carbon to Copper Boosts its Conductivity

Keerti Kappagantula and her colleagues developed highly conductive copper wire in bulk, as shown here. (Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

A common carbon compound is enabling remarkable performance enhancements when mixed in just the right proportion with copper to make electrical wires. It’s a phenomenon that defies conventional wisdom about how metals conduct electricity.

The findings, reported in the journal Materials & Design, could lead to more efficient electricity distribution to homes and businesses, as well as more efficient motors to power electric vehicles and industrial equipment. The team has applied for a patent for the work, which was supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office.

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