Abstract
Glassy carbon (GC) distinguishes itself from other carbon materials by its unique atomic structure and properties. Cold-compressed GC gives rise to new physical properties; however, the atomistic mechanism for the transitions remains elusive. In this study, by combining in situ high-pressure x-ray diffraction with first-principles calculations, we observe pressure-induced disappearance of the initial intermediate range order of GC, followed by formation of local tetrahedral structural domains and bonds. Correspondingly, the resistance of GC increases by four orders of magnitude during compression from to . Both the structural and resistance transitions are partially reversible upon decompression, with noticeable hysteresis. Our results highlight the central role of layer distortions in inducing the -to- bonding transition and provide the structural underpining for the various transitions observed in cold-compressed glassy carbon.
- Received 27 October 2018
- Revised 13 February 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.3.033608
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