Metals conduct well because of the lattice structures they form. Since each atom has only a weak ability to hold its valance electrons, they form loose bonds that are delocalized. That is each electron can absorb thermal energy and use it to escape from an atom. The electron then passes through the material carrying the heat with it.
If you atomize the metal, you break up its lattice and thus it looses the ability to conduct heat so well. Just look at Artic Silver. It has 1% of the conductivity of pure silver, dispite the fact that its 75% silver (iirc).
Metal ions are an even worse since they're entirely different substances. In these theres more or less a complete transfer of electrons from one ion to another. If you try and dissolve metal in water you will dissolve it and then react it with dissolved oxygen or chlorine or something else.
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