High Pressure Synthesis of Covalently-Bonded Networks

9705551 Badding This project explores the synthesis under pressure of novel covalently bonded networks. The experiments utilize diamond anvil cell techniques, to achieve synthesis at extreme pressures of 20 to 100 gigapascals, and at temperatures from 4 to 3000 Kelvin, combined with in-situ and ex-situ measurements of the formation and properties of new materials consisting of covalently binded networks to include carbon nitrides and novel carbon phases of graphite. An existing Raman system will be adapted for operation in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum and used as an in-situ technique for characterization. %%% Carbon plays a central role in science and technology as exhibited by the present emphasis upon the class of materials variously referred to as fullerenes and nanotubes. High-pressure and temperature routes to the synthesis of other carbon based covalent networks will provide additional new classes of compounds with spectacular optical, mechanical, and electronic properties. ***