Detonation of Molecular Precursors as a Tool for the Assembly of Nano-Sized Materials

The detonation of carbon- or nitrogen-containing explosives not only produces powerful shock waves but also provides elemental building blocks and a unique high-pressure and high-temperature physical environment for the construction of various nanostructures. This review highlights the situation and key progresses in the detonation approach towards diamond nanoparticles, graphitic carbon nanotubes, fullerene molecules, and gallium nitride nanocrystals. Further extension of the peaceful-use detonation applications and rational reactor design are also proposed.