The study of phase transitions in materials under high pressure and high temperature is a very active research field. In the last few decades, many important discoveries have been made thanks to the development of experimental techniques and computer simulation methods. Many of these achievements affect various research fields ranging from solid-state physics, chemistry, and materials science to geophysics. They not only involve deepening knowledge on solid-solid phase transitions, but also a better understanding of melting under compression. These modern discoveries, as well as the impact of pressure on structural, chemical, and physical properties, are central to the current Special Issue. Amongst other topics, it places particular emphasis on phase transitions and their effects on different physical properties.

This book on pressure-induced phase transitions in AB2X4 chalcogenide compounds deals with one important AmBnXp material. The interest in these materials is caused by their properties. The results are discussed for three main groups of structural families: cubic-spinel structures, defective tetragonal structures, and other structures like layered and wurtzite-type modifications. A systematic analysis of the behavior of cubic (spinel), tetragonal (defect chalcopyrites and stannites) and other crystal modifications of AB2X4 compounds under hydrostatic pressure is performed. The behavior of AIIAl2S4, AIIGa2S4, AIIAl2Se4 and AIIGa2Se4 compounds with defective tetragonal structures, compounds with layered and wurtzite structures under hydrostatic pressure and the pressure dependence of the band gap, lattice parameters, interatomic distances, vibrational modes and pressure-induced phase transitions is discussed. Many of these compounds, except oxide spinels, undergo a pressure-induced phase transition towards the rocksalt-type structure. The phase transition is preceded by disorder in the cation sublattice. The dependence of the transition pressure to the rocksalt-type structure as a function of the compound ionicity and the size criterion is analyzed. At high pressures, all ordered-vacancy compounds are found to exhibit a band anticrossing between several conduction bands that leads to a strong decrease of its pressure coefficient and consequently to a strong non-linear pressure dependence of the direct bandgap energy. Theoretical studies of phase transitions in several ordered-vacancy compounds reveal that the existence of ordered vacancies alter the cation-anion bond distances and their compressibilities. The book is written for students, Ph D. students and specialists in materials science, phase transitions and new materials.

A comprehensive handbook comprising two volumes, High Pressure Phase Transformations classifies and systemizes data on phase transformations of 2,263 elements and compounds under high pressure (at least 0.1 GPa). Each compound has a separate paragraph and bibliography that includes information on the behavior of the material under normal pressure. A critical analysis is made of experimental data on melting, first- and second-order phase transitions, crystal stuctures and phase diagrams, and data on new materials and compounds synthesized under high pressure are presented and discussed.

Treatise on Geophysics: Mineral Physics, Volume 2, provides a comprehensive review of the current state of understanding of mineral physics. Each chapter demonstrates the significant progress that has been made in the understanding of the physics and chemistry of minerals, and also highlights a number of issues which are still outstanding or that need further work to resolve current contradictions. The book first reviews the current status of our understanding of the nature of the deep Earth. These include the seismic properties of rocks and minerals; problems of the lower mantle and the core-mantle boundary; and the state of knowledge on mantle chemistry and the nature and evolution of the core. The discussions then turn to the theory underlying high-pressure, high-temperature physics, and the major experimental methods being developed to probe this parameter space. The remaining chapters explain the specific techniques for measuring elastic and acoustic properties, electronic and magnetic properties, and rheological properties; the nature and origin of anisotropy in the Earth; the properties of melt; and the magnetic and electrical properties of mantle phases. - Self-contained volume starts with an overview of the subject then explores each topic with in depth detail - Extensive reference lists and cross references with other volumes to facilitate further research - Full-color figures and tables support the text and aid in understanding - Content suited for both the expert and non-expert

This is the first book to classify and systematize the available data on the behavior of binary alloys under high pressure. Despite the fact that there is a strong correlation between temperature-composition (T-C) phase diagrams at normal pressure and three- dimensional temperature-composition-pressure (T-C-P) diagrams, many material scientists seldom refer to the (T-C-P) diagrams, just as many high pressure researchers often ignore the data obtained at normal pressure. This book aims to bridge the gap between data obtained at high pressure and that obtained at normal pressure. The most recent research covers not only elements and stoichiometric compounds, but also binary, ternary, and multicomponent alloys, and so this book covers an extended range of substances. The properties of 890 binary systems and a further 1153 pseudobinary and ternary systems are summarized, and accompanied by an extensive bibliography. The data includes information on the solubility of components in solid solutions, melting, and first- and second-order phase transformations in alloys and stoichiometric compounds.

A clear, concise and rigorous textbook covering phase transitions in the context of advances in electronic structure and statistical mechanics.

This volume and its two companion volumes, entitled Tetrahedrally-Bonded Amorphous Semiconductors and Physics of Disordered Materials, are our way of paying special tribute to Sir Nevill Mott and to express our heartfelt wishes to him on the occasion of his eightieth birthday. Sir Nevill has set the highest standards as a physicist, teacher, and scientific leader. Our feelings for him include not only the respect and admiration due a great scientist, but also a deep affection for a great human being, who possesses a rare combination of outstanding personal qualities. We thank him for enriching our lives, and we shall forever carry cherished memories of this noble man. Scientists best express their thanks by contributing their thoughts and observations to a Festschrift. This one honoring Sir Nevill fills three volumes, with literally hundreds of authors meeting a strict deadline. The fact that contributions poured in from all parts of the world attests to the international cohesion of our scientific community. It is a tribute to Sir Nevill's stand for peace and understanding, transcending national borders. The editors wish to express their gratitude to Ghazaleh Koefod for her diligence and expertise in deciphering and typing many of the papers, as well as helping in numerous other ways. The blame for the errors that remain belongs to the editors.

In many instances of mechanical interaction between two materials, the physical contact affects only the outermost surface layer, with little discernible influence on the bulk of the material. The resultant high pressures in these localised regimes can induce surface structural changes such as deformation, phase transformation and amorphization.

In 2018, the International Symposium on Nanogeoscience was held in Guiyang, China. Scholars from around the globe gathered to discuss recent progress and development trends in various aspects of nanogeoscience, including nanomineralogy. Nanomineralogy, an important aspect of nanogeoscience, focuses on the composition, structure, and physical and chemical properties of nanoscale minerals and their interrelations with other Earth critical components. To give a sampling of the latest progress in nanomineralogy and related fields, we offer this Special Issue, which describes a full range of recent nanomineralogic achievements relating to everything from nanominerals and geochemistry, mineral nanostructures, and nanomineral deformation, to nanopores in oil and gas reservoirs, nanomineral deposits, and nanomineral material. Today, nanomineralogy faces a new strategic opportunity as well as a revolutionary challenge. We thus present this special nanomineralogy-focused issue of Minerals with the aim of encouraging our colleagues to familiarize themselves with current developments, trends, and directions in nanomineralogy, enabling an understanding of the potential of the field as a whole. We look forward to developing further scientific research and cooperation in nanomineralogy, hoping thereby to attract and guide young scholars to participate in this field.