Amorphous Diamond: A High-Pressure Superhard Carbon Allotrope

作者:Lin Yu*; Zhang Li; Mao Ho kwang; Chow Paul; Xiao Yuming; Baldini Maria; Shu Jinfu; Mao Wendy L
来源:Physical Review Letters, 2011, 107(17): 175504.
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.175504

摘要

Compressing glassy carbon above 40 GPa, we have observed a new carbon allotrope with a fully sp(3)-bonded amorphous structure and diamondlike strength. Synchrotron x-ray Raman spectroscopy revealed a continuous pressure-induced sp(2)-to-sp(3) bonding change, while x-ray diffraction confirmed the perseverance of noncrystallinity. The transition was reversible upon releasing pressure. Used as an indenter, the glassy carbon ball demonstrated exceptional strength by reaching 130 GPa with a confining pressure of 60 GPa. Such an extremely large stress difference of >70 GPa has never been observed in any material besides diamond, indicating the high hardness of this high-pressure carbon allotrope.

  • 出版日期2011-10-19