In situ X-ray powder diffraction study of one-dimensional polymeric C60 phase transformation under high-pressure

Pressure dependence of the orthorhombic polymeric phase of C-60 has been studied by angle-dispersive, X-ray powder diffraction in a diamond anvil cell. Transformation to a new phase through the simultaneous action of pressure and X-rays was observed between 0.2 and 1.66 GPa. A possible structure of this new phase of C-60 is discussed. Further increase in pressure leads gradually to the irreversible formation of a disordered phase. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.