Recovery of nanodiamonds from dynamically shock-compressed graphite and hydrocarbon samples

The formation of nanodiamonds by laser-induced shock compression of polystyrene was observed via in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) [1]. Upon shock break-out the material is ejected at hypervelocities between 5-20km/s. The goal is the physical recovery of this material, the extraction of nanodiamonds and their characterisation. Therefore, two experimental campaigns were conducted at GSI. Since the pressure and temperature conditions during formation are the same as inside the icy planets, Uranus and Neptune, this research is crucial for planetary interior models where the formation of diamonds from the present hydrocarbons may be assumed. Additionally, there is growing demand for nanodiamonds in the biomedical and various other industrial sectors. This talk presents the current status of this project, the insights gained and the next steps. [1] D. Kraus et al. "Formation of nanodiamonds in laser-compressed plastic at planetary interior conditions", Nature Astronomy (2017).