Water's hidden power: Turning carbon to diamonds in extremes
Scientists have discovered that under extreme conditions, water can transform into a superacid capable of turning carbon into diamonds. This has been confirmed through computer simulations.
Water, renowned for its unique properties, can become a superacid in extreme conditions, leading to the transformation of carbon into diamonds. According to the ArXiv service, such transformations are possible at temperatures ranging from 1,727 to 2,727 degrees Celsius and pressures from 22 to 69 gigapascals.
The mentioned conditions are comparable to those found not only inside our planet but also on gas giants like Uranus and Neptune. As the study authors note, water under these circumstances becomes billions of times stronger than sulfuric acid.
Flavio Siro Brigiano from the University of Paris and his team conducted computer simulations that demonstrated how superacid water could transform hydrocarbons, such as methane, into diamond-like structures. This discovery may explain previous studies suggesting that diamond rains might occur on ice giant planets.
Superacid water could be utilised in industry, potentially replacing traditional superacids in processes such as oil refining. Although creating such conditions in the laboratory is challenging, scientists plan to conduct experiments at lower pressures and temperatures.
Will this actually be a breakthrough?
These studies, published on the ArXiv service, open up new possibilities for understanding the chemical properties of water and its potential industrial applications. Unfortunately, the situation is not straightforward.
Researchers point out that achieving such high pressures and temperatures in the laboratory currently seems unlikely. However, the study authors are determined to explore whether similar effects can be achieved at lower pressures and temperatures.
