Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Hypercoordinate states of silica via chemical compression with carbon dioxide in planetary interiors

    Yifan Tian1,2,3, Xinyang Li3,*, and Hanyu Liu2,3,4,†

    • 1Jilin Key Laboratory of Solid-State Laser Technology and Application, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
    • 2Key Laboratory of Material Simulation Methods and Software of Ministry of Education, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
    • 3State Key Laboratory of High Pressure and Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
    • 4International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China

    • *Contact author: lixinyang@jlu.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: hanyuliu@jlu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. B 113, 014106 – Published 8 January, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/1fgr-c6cs

    Abstract

    The coordination environment is a central issue in condensed matter physics and planetary science, as it governs structural diversity and physical properties under extreme conditions. In particular, hypercoordinate states of silicon—one of the most abundant elements in the universe—are key to understanding both the mineralogy of planetary interiors and the limits of chemical bonding theory beyond the octet rule. Here, we extend the concept of “chemical pressure,” originally developed in materials science, to planetary environments by investigating the interaction between CO2 and SiO2. Our first-principles calculations reveal that CO2 can chemically compress SiO2 and stabilize a novel eightfold-coordinated silicon carbonate, SiCO4, in the pressure range of 560–780 GPa. This stabilization occurs nearly 100 GPa earlier than in pure SiO2 (∼650 GPa), representing a recombination of SiO2 and CO2 at megabar conditions after their decomposition above 26 GPa. As major constituents of planetary interiors, such Si-C-O compounds may influence carbon sequestration, migration, and release within planets. Moreover, SiCO4 exhibits lower density and higher thermal conductivity than SiO2, suggesting enhanced heat transport and accelerated cooling processes in planetary interiors. These findings enrich the high-pressure phase diagram of the Si-C-O system and provide insights into planetary evolution and the fundamental limits of bonding under extreme compression.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation