Isotope Labeling Reveals Fast Atomic and Molecular Exchange in Mechanochemical Milling Reactions

Using tandem in situ monitoring and
isotope-labeled solids, we
reveal that mechanochemical ball-milling overcomes inherently slow
solid-state diffusion through continuous comminution and growth of
milled particles. This process occurs with or without a net chemical
reaction and also occurs between solids and liquid additives that
can be practically used for highly efficient deuterium labeling of
solids. The presented findings reveal a fundamental aspect of milling
reactions and also delineate a methodology that should be considered
in the study of mechanochemical reaction mechanisms.