Figure 1

Snapshots from a dynamical trajectory collected from transition path sampling connecting (a) graphite to (f) a polytype intermediate between cubic and hexagonal diamond.
The buckling of graphene layers in initiated by the formation of C–C bonds along [001]graphite (b)–(c). Domains of cubic diamond are formed with different orientation (d)–(e). The interface between the latter domains defines a region of hexagonal diamond (e)–(f).