Pressure-Induced sp2-sp3 Transitions in Carbon-Bearing Phases

Abstract

Carbon-bearing phases show a rich variety of structural transitions as an adaptation to pressure. Of particular interest is the crossover from sp2 carbon to sp3 carbon, as physical and chemical properties of carbon in these distinct electronic configurations are very different. In this chapter we review pressure-induced sp2 -sp3 transitions in elemental carbon, carbonates, and hydrocarbons.