C5 as simplest ultrahard allotrope with mixed sp2/sp3 carbon hybridizations from first principles

Abstract

From crystal chemistry rationale and density functional DFT calculations, novel tetragonal carbon C5 is proposed as simplest ultrahard allotrope with mixed hybrid carbon hybridizations (sp2 - sp3). Novel pentacarbon is identified as cohesive and stable both dynamically and mechanically. Whereas charge density is localized about tetrahedral C-sp3, it is found delocalized around trigonal C-sp2 resulting in metallic behavior. The anisotropic structure characteristics caused by the aligned trigonal carbon along the tetragonal c-axis provide high Vickers hardness with a magnitude close to diamond