Pressure induced transition of graphite to diamond - homework help

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating the pressure required for the transition of graphite to diamond at 25°C, using Gibbs free energy (dG) and density values. The Gibbs free energy difference at 25°C is given as 2866 J/mol, with diamond density at 3.51 g/cm³ and graphite density at 2.26 g/cm³. The calculations suggest that the pressure needed for equilibrium is significantly higher than the initial atmospheric pressure, with estimates ranging from 2945 atm to over 15146 bars based on various approaches. The final pressure calculations indicate a need for precise understanding of specific volumes and their relationship to pressure changes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gibbs free energy and its role in phase transitions
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic principles, particularly the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature
  • Knowledge of density and specific volume calculations
  • Basic calculus for understanding differential equations in thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between specific volume and pressure in phase transitions
  • Study the concept of thermodynamic equilibrium and its implications for phase changes
  • Learn about high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis methods for diamond formation
  • Explore advanced thermodynamic equations, including the Clausius-Clapeyron relation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in thermodynamics, particularly those studying phase transitions, as well as researchers and professionals in materials science and geology focusing on carbon allotropes.

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Pressure induced transition of graphite to diamond -- homework help

Homework Statement


Process is being carried out at 25*C and requires an increase in pressure until he graphite and diamond are in equilibrium. The following data is given at 25*C

dG(25*C, 1atm) = gdiamond - ggraphite = 2866 J/mol

density diamond = 3.51 g/cm^3
density graphite = 2.26 g/cm^3

Estimate the pressure at which these two forms of carbon are in equilibrium at 25*C.

This is a homework question for my thermo II class, I have been looking at it for a day or so now and can't come up with a solution. Based on the densities it's clear it will take a lot of pressure for the transition. Any help would be greatly appreciated, it's been 6 months since thermo I so I am a little rusty! Thanks again!

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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can you explain to me your notation and also any ideas you might have as how to proceed?
 
...but failing anything else, I might recommend to estimate the pressure by saying that the (gibbs free?) energy difference (dG) you have written is that quantity which should be related to the energy transferred by compressing... something like dG = p dv where v is the specific volume, which you can easily related to the change in density which is known.
 
how would you relate that to the change in density?
 
so far I have that dG=deltaVdP - deltaSdT but because there is no change in temperature the change in Gibbs free energy = deltaVdP. I was also not given an initial amount of graphite or how much is to transition to diamond. I plan to assume 1g of graphite is transition to diamond.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
mh7049 said:
how would you relate that to the change in density?

calculus. density and volume are related by:

\rho = M/V

so \delta \rho = \delta V \frac{d \rho}{d V}

and you can find d\rho/d V from the first equation.
 


2 years later and I've come up with the same question. Same numbers and everything. I seem to get an answer, but it appears to be far too low when checking against information found elsewhere.

I've assumed that the process occurs at STP thus 1 atm or 101325 Pa and 25 C.
The general equation that I've got is.
2886 j/mol = (cm^3 / (3.51-2.26)g) * (12.01 g/mol) * (1 m^3 / 10^6 cm^3) * (Pf - 101325)
Pf being final pressure

Basically I took the given dG (Gibbs free energy) and set it equal to the change in volume which was given by the densities. I converted everything into the proper units of mols and m^3 and multiplied by change in pressure assuming that initial pressure is under STP.

Additionally, I know that there is no change in temperature thus the entropy portion of the equation is zero and that we can use dG=VdP

I end up with 2945 atm which seems to be about 7000 atm too low in comparison to HPHT. I've tried a few other arrangements of the equation dG=Vdp-SdT and 2866=Pd-Pg.
 
Last edited:


CerealSteak said:
2 years later and I've come up with the same question. Same numbers and everything. I seem to get an answer, but it appears to be far too low when checking against information found elsewhere.

I've assumed that the process occurs at STP thus 1 atm or 101325 Pa and 25 C.
The general equation that I've got is.
2886 j/mol = (cm^3 / (3.51-2.26)g) * (12.01 g/mol) * (1 m^3 / 10^6 cm^3) * (Pf - 101325)
Pf being final pressure

Basically I took the given dG (Gibbs free energy) and set it equal to the change in volume which was given by the densities. I converted everything into the proper units of mols and m^3 and multiplied by change in pressure assuming that initial pressure is under STP.

Additionally, I know that there is no change in temperature thus the entropy portion of the equation is zero and that we can use dG=VdP

I end up with 2945 atm which seems to be about 7000 atm too low in comparison to HPHT. I've tried a few other arrangements of the equation dG=Vdp-SdT and 2866=Pd-Pg.

Hi,

Looks like you are on the right track with

<br /> \Delta G = v \Delta P <br />
where v is the specific volume.

But you used "delta v" rather than v and I'm not sure why.

To do the problem exactly we would have to know how v changes as a function of P. But failing that we could estimate

<br /> \Delta P=\Delta G/v<br />

And plugging in the numbers I find
<br /> \Delta P = 836,000,000Pa<br />
 
Last edited:


Thanks a lot for your time and help.
I think I'm still a little confused with your comment on knowing how v changes as a function of P. Does this mean we write the equation deltaP=deltaG/v for both diamond and graphite then combine the equations to solve for deltaP or Pf?
 
  • #10


I think I got the same deltaP as you by using the equation you mentioned.
deltaP = deltaG / v (diamond) = 837606994.2 But what of the specific volume of graphite? Isn't this important to the solution as we have equilibrium between the two?
 
Last edited:
  • #11


mh7049 said:

Homework Statement


Process is being carried out at 25*C and requires an increase in pressure until he graphite and diamond are in equilibrium. The following data is given at 25*C

dG(25*C, 1atm) = gdiamond - ggraphite = 2866 J/mol

density diamond = 3.51 g/cm^3
density graphite = 2.26 g/cm^3

Estimate the pressure at which these two forms of carbon are in equilibrium at 25*C.

This is a homework question for my thermo II class, I have been looking at it for a day or so now and can't come up with a solution. Based on the densities it's clear it will take a lot of pressure for the transition. Any help would be greatly appreciated, it's been 6 months since thermo I so I am a little rusty! Thanks again!

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


The Solution right here:
dG(T,P) = dG(1,298) + I(VdP)
= 2892.3 + (-1.881 10^-6)(P-1) x (1.013 x 10^5)
The transformation is thermodynamically spontaneous at 298 K as long as dG(P,T) is negative:
2892.3 + (-1.881 x 10^-6) (P - 1) x (1.013 x 105) < 0
P > 15146 bars
Notice:
P in Pa: 1 atm = 1.013 x 10^5 Pa
V in m3: 1 m3 = 10^6 cm3
I = Integral which shows the additional external work for compression

Best Regard
Nguyen Tri Ngyen
Viet Nam - Hue - 03/28/2012
 

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