Collision synthesis of unique carbon nanomaterials inspired by the Allende meteorite

A simple shock event approach inspired by the Allende meteorite to produce sophisticated carbon nanomaterials is reported. It is demonstrated that unique carbon nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes, carbon onions, and new carbon nanorings are synthesized by high-speed ball-milling of steel balls. The carbon nanorings have diameter of several tens of nanometers. It is considered that the carbon nanomaterials are formed from around the surface of steel balls under local high temperatures induced by the collision energy in ball-milling process.