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High-Pressure Laser Reactive Synthesis Within Diamond Anvil Cells of Carbon Allotropes from Methanol

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2025-03-24
JournalCrystals
AuthorsMohamad E. Alabdulkarim, James Maxwell
InstitutionsLa Trobe University
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  • The research investigates the high-pressure decomposition of methanol to synthesize carbon allotropes within a Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC).
  • Selective Laser Reactive Synthesis (LRS-DAC) was achieved using a focused laser beam (20 ”m) to induce localized reactions at pressures up to 15 GPa.
  • Various carbon allotropes, including single-crystal diamond, nanocrystalline diamond, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and amorphous carbon, were selectively synthesized.
  • Confocal Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure of the synthesized materials.
  • Novel Raman signatures were observed, potentially related to catechol or polycatechol-like compounds formed during high-pressure, moderate-temperature conditions.
  • The study addresses a knowledge gap in methanol decomposition data at high pressures, relevant to both industrial and natural processes.

| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context Commercial Applications

  • High-Pressure Materials Synthesis
  • Carbon Allotrope Research
  • Diamond Anvil Cell Technology
  • Nanomaterial Fabrication
View Original Abstract

This work targets a knowledge gap in the high-pressure decomposition of methanol, complementing prior moderate-pressure diamond anvil studies below 4 GPa and hyperbaric-pressure laser chemical vapour deposition (HP-LCVD) experiments below 0.01 GPa. Localised decomposition of methanol into various carbon allotropes was investigated at pressures of up to 15 GPa. Diamond anvil cell (DAC) pressures were monitored in real-time using ruby fluorescence and a high-resolution spectrometer. Selective saser reactive synthesis within diamond anvil cells (LRS-DAC) was achieved using a 20-micron 1/e2 laser beam focus—one order of magnitude smaller than the diamond anvil chamber dimensions. Confocal Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy were employed to investigate the deposit’s local microstructure. Various carbon allotropes were synthesised selectively, including single-crystal diamond, nanocrystalline diamond, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and amorphous carbons. At least two unknown Raman signatures were observed and unlikely to be harmonics or combinations of ordinary Raman peaks, the closest known Raman spectra being that of catechol and polycatechol. Potential side reactions are proposed, where polymerisation and/or ring-formation may occur during high-pressure moderate-temperature (HPMT) conditions.

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