In a first, tiny diamond anvils trigger chemical reactions by squeezing

Scientists have turned the smallest possible bits of diamond and other super-hard specks into ‘molecular anvils’ that squeeze and twist molecules until chemical bonds break and atoms exchange electrons. These are the first such chemical reactions triggered by mechanical pressure alone, and researchers say the method offers a new way to do chemistry at the molecular level that is greener, more efficient and much more precise.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180221131901.htm

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