Exploring nanomechanics with high-pressure techniques

For around three decades, high-pressure techniques have been used to study nanomaterials. In most studies, especially the early ones, x-ray diffraction and Raman and infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the structural transition and equation of state. In recent years, the exploration has been extended to the plastic deformation of nanomaterials by using radial diamond-anvil-cell x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Compared with the traditional techniques, high-pressure techniques are more advantageous in applying mechanical loads to nanosized samples and characterizing the structural and mechanical properties either in situ or ex situ, which could help to unveil the mysteries of mechanics at the nanoscale. With such knowledge, more-advanced materials could be fabricated for wider and specialized applications. This paper provides a brief review of recent progress.