This new "super-diamond" is 30% stronger than known diamonds

Scientists have simulated a theoretical form of carbon, potentially stronger than diamond. Diamond is known to be the hardest material on Earth, but BC8 could surpass its strength by 30%.

BC8, a crystal made up of eight carbon atoms, stands out for its ability to withstand compression that is 30% greater than that of diamonds. However, its synthesis in the laboratory remains a challenge, with current attempts being unsuccessful.


A recent simulation has shown that its creation would be possible only under very specific pressure and temperature conditions. This discovery, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters in January, could shed light on the formation of BC8 in the hearts of carbon-rich exoplanets.


These exoplanets, under extreme conditions, could favor the appearance of carbon structures like diamond and BC8. Ivan Oleynik, professor of physics at the University of South Florida and lead author of the study, emphasizes the importance of understanding BC8 to accurately model the interiors of these distant exoplanets.

To unlock the mysteries of BC8, researchers used Frontier, a supercomputer located at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, to simulate billions of carbon atoms under various conditions. Their study reveals that BC8 would be extremely stable at pressures exceeding 181,250 psi (about 1,250 gigapascals), which is more than 12 million times the Earth's atmospheric pressure, while remaining stable at room temperatures once formed.

The atomic structure of BC8, similar to that of diamond but without its cleavage planes, which are the weak points of the gems, indicates superior strength. This new understanding of the formation and stability of BC8 motivates researchers to attempt its synthesis again. The Lawrence Livermore National Ignition Laboratory (LLNL) is exploring methods involving high pressures, notably by propelling diamonds against each other at speeds over 44,738 mph (about 72,000 km/h).