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Researchers have solved a mystery that has been ongoing for many years, creating a nearly indestructible material that they believe could compete with diamond as the toughest substance on the planet.
Scientists discovered that subjecting carbon and nitrogen precursors to high levels of heat and pressure can create a material known as carbon nitride, which is more durable than cubic boron nitride – the second hardest material known after diamond.
According to a recent study published in the journal Advanced Materials, a new discovery has the potential to create versatile materials for various industrial purposes such as protective coatings for vehicles and spacecraft, durable cutting tools, and efficient solar panels and photodetectors.
Although scientists have been aware of the possible capabilities of carbon nitrides since the 1980s, such as their ability to withstand high temperatures, successful laboratory results have not been achieved despite over 30 years of investigation and numerous attempts at synthesis.
In the most recent research, experts from the University of Edinburgh and other institutions tested different types of carbon and nitrogen compounds at pressures ranging from 70 to 135 gigapascals, which is equivalent to about 1 million times the pressure of our atmosphere. These compounds were also heated to temperatures exceeding 1,500°C.
Afterward, the researchers examined the atomic structure of the compounds created in these circumstances and discovered that three of them contain the essential components for achieving extreme hardness.
Scientists discovered that all three compounds maintained their diamond-like properties even after returning to normal pressure and temperature.
The study also revealed that these three compounds possess a high energy density, meaning a significant amount of energy is packed into a small mass.
These compounds are believed to have the potential to become superior engineering materials that can compete with diamonds.
According to co-author Dominique Laniel, these resources serve as a compelling motivation to connect high pressure materials production with practical industrial uses.
He stated that these substances not only have exceptional versatility, but also demonstrate the ability to retrieve technologically important phases under synthesis pressure levels similar to those found deep within the Earth’s interior.
The source is independent.co.uk.
