Mechanochemical Reactions from Individual Impacts to Global Transformation Kinetics

Typically induced by the mechanical processing of powders in ball mills, mechanochemical transformations are considered to result from the application of mechanical force to solid reactants. However, the undeniable deep connection between the dynamic compaction of powders during impacts and the overall transformation degree has yet to be disclosed. In the present work, we show that the square planar bis(dibenzoylmethanato)Ni-II coordination compound undergoes trimerization when its powder experiences even a single ball impact. Based on systematic experiments with individual ball impacts and analysis by Raman spectroscopy, we provide here quantitative mapping of the transformation in the powder compact and deduce bulk reaction kinetics from multiple individual impacts.

Automated summary

Mechanochemical transformations are commonly induced by mechanical processing in ball mills. This study reveals that even a single ball impact can cause trimerization in the powder of a square planar bis(dibenzoylmethanato)Ni-II coordination compound. Through systematic experiments and analysis using Raman spectroscopy, the transformation in the powder compact is quantitatively mapped, and bulk reaction kinetics are deduced from multiple individual impacts.