Cryogenic loading of large volume presses for high-pressure experimentation and synthesis of novel materials

We present an efficient, easily implemented method for loading cryogenic fluids in a large volume press. We specifically apply this method to the high-pressure synthesis of an extended solid derived from CO using a Paris–Edinburgh cell. This method employs cryogenic cooling of Bridgman-type WC anvils well insulated from other press components, condensation of the load gas within a brass annulus surrounding the gasket between the Bridgman anvils. We demonstrate the viability of the described approach by synthesizing macroscopic amounts (several milligrams) of polymeric CO-derived material, which were recovered to ambient conditions after compression of pure CO to 5GPa or above.