Diamondoids Under Pressure

Abstract

Due to their outstanding properties, diverse geometry, and ability to be manipulated and functionalized, diamondoids have gained interest as highly attractive targets as molecular building blocks for applications in biomedicine, materials science, and nanotechnology, in addition to the field of petroleum engineering (Clay et al., 2009; Mcintosh et al., 2004; Sasagawa & Shen, 2008; Willey et al., 2006; Zhang et al., 2016). Diamondoid molecules are also a useful system for basic science studies. They display atomic-level uniformity and a systematic series of sizes and geometries, making them ideal materials for exploring how different parameters can be used to tune properties. In this chapter, the pressure-induced structural modifications in a range of diamondoids are reported. In section 27.2, the critical role of molecular geometry in determining the phase transition pressures and bulk moduli of diamondoids is discussed, followed by the sensitivity of diamondoids to hydrostaticity and deviatoric stress under compression. Section 27.3 examines recent work investigating functionalized diamondoids at high pressure and concludes with a perspective for future work and exciting potential directions for studying diamondoids at extreme conditions.