Acoustic shock wave-induced sp2-to-sp3-type phase transition-part II: Evidence of the presence of diamond from valance band spectra and electronic diffraction pattern

Abstract

Here, we introduce a novel technique that utilizes repeated exposure to low-pressure (2.0 MPa) millisecond acoustic shock waves on a graphite sample to facilitate the successful transformation of graphite into diamond. This transformation is based on a martensitic nucleation mechanism verified through valance-band X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic and electron diffraction observations. Typically, diamond formation occurs only under pressures of 50–60 GPa or more in nanosecond dynamic compression experiments. The present work offers a new platform to make synthetic diamonds and a new scientific path for diamond formation.