Phase diagram of Carbon at large electric fields.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the exploration of the phase diagram of carbon under large electric fields, specifically analyzing the relationships between pressure versus electric field and electric field versus temperature. Participants express skepticism regarding the stability of carbon phases, particularly graphite and carbon nanotubes, under high electric field gradients. Theoretical considerations suggest that high electric fields may lead to a transition between conducting and resistive phases, with a focus on minimizing heat generation through phase crystallization. The conversation highlights the non-equilibrium nature of the problem, emphasizing the importance of cooling mechanisms to manage temperature during these transitions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phase diagrams in materials science
  • Knowledge of electrical conductivity and resistivity in carbon materials
  • Familiarity with non-equilibrium thermodynamics
  • Basic principles of crystallization processes under pressure
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of electric fields on phase transitions in materials
  • Study the properties of carbon allotropes, including graphite and diamond
  • Explore non-equilibrium thermodynamics and its applications in material science
  • Investigate cooling mechanisms for managing heat in high-pressure experiments
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in materials science, physicists studying phase transitions, and engineers working with carbon-based materials under extreme conditions will benefit from this discussion.

Prathyush
Messages
211
Reaction score
16
TL;DR
What are the phases of carbon at large electric fields.
I am wondering if the phase diagram of Carbon has been explored at very large electric fields.

Can one make any theoretical guesses ?

In specific I am interested in Pressure Vs Electric field and Electric field vs Temperature at fixed temperature and pressure respectively.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What makes you think that high electric fields would make a constructive difference ?

I would be surprised if carbon could exist for long in a high electrical field gradient.
As graphite it would conduct current and get hot due to W = I²R.
Any contamination of diamond would make it a semiconductor or resistor with a similar fate.
Carbon nanotubes or Fullerenes would probably not survive at high pressure.
 
Baluncore said:
What makes you think that high electric fields would make a constructive difference ?
I am at a very early stage of exploring this (and similar) questions. But my interest in this problem is to see if we can transition between conducting and resistive phases of carbon(or other material) by controlling electric fields.

My suspicion is that low resistance phase is unfavoured, and it will selectively crystalize into high resistance phase to minimize heat generated.

Baluncore said:
As graphite it would conduct current and get hot due to W = I²R.
At sufficiently high pressure, my guess is that carbon will melt and begin start a crystallization process into forming a diamond. This is indeed a non-equilibrium problem because of heat flow is involved. But I am imagining heat is being steadily pumped out of the system using some cooling mechanism to lower temperature.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K