Diamond, known for its exceptional hardness, may have the potential to be transformed into an even tougher material. This naturally occurring substance is composed of carbon crystals and is typically found within the Earth's depths. Recent research suggests that significant geological events could lead to the rapid ascent of 'fountains of diamonds' to the surface.
While diamonds have long been revered for their hardness due to their tetrahedral lattice structure, physicists from the US and Sweden have conducted simulations indicating the possibility of creating a material that is 30% more resistant to compression than diamonds.
By subjecting diamond to extreme pressure and temperatures through quantum-accurate molecular-dynamics simulations on a supercomputer, experts uncovered a novel structure known as the eight-atom body-centred cubic (BC8) phase. This configuration, previously observed in silicon and germanium, has the potential to surpass the hardness of diamonds.
Although the BC8 phase of carbon is not naturally present on Earth, it is speculated to exist in the highly pressurized environments within exoplanets. Physicists have highlighted that the BC8 structure maintains a tetrahedral shape without the cleavage planes found in diamonds, making it a promising candidate for enhanced hardness.
Despite the theoretical advancements, attempts to synthesize the BC8 phase have faced challenges. The narrow range of temperature and pressure conditions required for its formation remains elusive, hindering practical implementation. Researchers have emphasized that the post-diamond BC8 phase may only be accessible within specific high-pressure, high-temperature regions of the carbon phase diagram.
While the pursuit of creating a material harder than diamonds holds scientific intrigue, the experimental realization of the BC8 phase poses significant technical hurdles. Further exploration and refinement of the synthesis process are essential to unlock the full potential of this groundbreaking discovery.
