Sub-nanosecond carbon condensation under ultrafast shock compression of cryogenic liquid carbon monoxide

The detonation of negative oxygen-balance explosives typically results in the formation of carbon condensates, including nano-onions and nano-diamonds. Although the production of carbon nano-condensates can occur via detonation, the carbon chemistry required to form such products does not require detonation chemistry per se: a negative oxygen-balance organic reactant and high pressure and temperature conditions are likely sufficient to condense nanocarbon. Furthermore, although carbon chemistry during detonation is thought to require 10-100s nanosecond time scales, simulations suggest that condensation of carbon can occur on nanosecond or sub-nanosecond time scales. To explore these fundamental issues, here we present the results of experiments and simulations of ultrafast shock compression of a simple negative oxygen-balance reactant, cryogenic liquid carbon monoxide.