Compound formation in the CH4–N2 system at high-pressure high-temperature conditions

CH4–N2 mixtures have been predicted to react to yield high-energy-density materials under pressure that could be quenched to ambient. Such reactions could also hold importance in our understanding of the structural evolution of planetary satellites, such as Titan. Our preliminary studies indicate CH4-N2 van der Waals compound formation at pressures as low as 5 GPa, whilst upon further compression above 100 GPa covalent bonded compounds emerge. Here we propose to initially determine the structure and equation of state of the van der Waals compounds. We will then explore both the high-pressure and high-pressure high-temperature synthesis pathways of the undetermined C-N-H compounds, determine their structures, and the possibility of recovering the materials to ambient conditions.