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Free keywords:
catalysis; nanodiamonds; nano‒onions; phase transitions; surface activation
Abstract:
While catalyzing the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane, ultradispersed nanodiamonds (UDD) are transformed into onionlike carbon (OLC, see picture). This surface-activated bulk transformation from sp3- to sp2-hybridized carbon atoms is concomitant with an enhanced product selectivity to the desired butenes. In addition, the synthesis of OLC is achieved at temperatures 600 K lower than reported so far.