Catalyst-free synthesis of transparent, mesoporous diamond monoliths from periodic mesoporous carbon CMK-8.

ABSTRACT: We report on the synthesis of optically transparent, mesoporous, monolithic diamond from periodic mesoporous carbon CMK-8 at a pressure of 21 GPa. The phase transformation is already complete at a mild synthesis temperature of 1,300 degrees C without the need of a catalyst. Surprisingly, the diamond is obtained as a mesoporous material despite the extreme pressure. X-ray diffraction, SEM, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Z-contrast experiments suggest that the mesoporous diamond is composed of interconnected diamond nanocrystals having diameters around 5-10 nm. The Brunauer Emmett Teller surface area was determined to be 33 m2 g(-1) according Kr sorption data. The mesostructure is diminished yet stil

SUBMITTER: Zhang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2922285 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature