Novel states and new chemistry of low Z solids under extreme conditions

Choong-Shik Yoo, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA

Recent leaps in high-pressure technologies, large-scale computational modeling, and advanced experimental facilities are driving an unprecedented era of material discovery at extreme pressures and temperatures. In this talk, we elucidate the fundamental principles that govern the chemistry of dense solids as they approach the 1 TPa regime. We trace the dramatic, pressure-induced evolution of chemical bonding as simple molecular solids transform to extended covalent solids, ionic solids, and ultimately, exotic metallic phases. Focusing on our recent studies of CO₂ and H₂O, we describe how extreme compression forces structural transformations that shatter conventional chemical rules and discuss how these discoveries reshape our understanding of the deep interiors of Earth and Jovian planets, reveal new frontiers in condensed matter physics, and unlock the emerging domain of solid-state core-electron chemistry.

A short biography of Prof. Choong-Shik Yoo: He is Professor of Department of Chemistry and Institute for Shock Physics at Washington State University. His research is focused on addressing fundamental materials problems under extreme pressure-temperature conditions, utilizing static and dynamic high-pressure capabilities coupled with the state-of-the-art laser spectroscopic methods and fast time-resolved x-ray diffraction at advanced 3G(synchrotron) and 4G(XFEL) x-rays and  high-power lasers. Prior to his arrival at WSU, he worked at the LLNL where he developed and led a multi-disciplinary research group in High Pressure Physics. Professor Yoo received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1986 from UCLA.