Water turns into superacid, creates diamonds in extreme conditions
Scientists have discovered that in extreme conditions, water can transform into a superacid capable of turning carbon into diamonds. This finding has been confirmed by computer simulations.
Water, known for its unique properties, can become a superacid under extreme conditions, capable of converting carbon into diamonds. According to the ArXiv service, such transformations are possible at temperatures ranging from 3141°F to 4941°F and pressure between 319 and 1001 kilobars.
These conditions are comparable to those found not only within our planet, but also on gas giants like Uranus and Neptune. As the study's authors note, water in these conditions 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 superacidic water can transform hydrocarbons, such as methane, into structures resembling diamonds. This discovery might explain previous research suggesting that diamond rain could occur on ice giant planets.
Superacidic water could be used in industry to replace traditional superacids in processes like oil refining. Although it is challenging to achieve such conditions in a laboratory, scientists plan to conduct experiments at lower pressures and temperatures.
Will this truly be a breakthrough?
These studies, published on the ArXiv service, open new possibilities for understanding the chemical properties of water and its potential industrial applications. Unfortunately, the situation is not that simple.
Researchers emphasize that achieving such high pressures and temperatures in a laboratory seems unlikely for now. However, the study's authors are determined to continue exploring whether similar effects can be achieved at lower pressures and temperatures.
