Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, USA, recently announced a groundbreaking development: its research team has successfully created nanodiamonds under atmospheric and near-room temperature conditions. Unlike traditional diamond synthesis methods that rely on high pressure and extreme heat, this new technique uses only a single gas—ethanol—and eliminates the need for a substrate or high-energy environments. This innovation could revolutionize various industries by enabling easier and more cost-effective production of diamond-based materials.
The process involves generating microplasma by ionizing argon gas through a narrow tube, creating a low-temperature plasma environment. Ethanol vapor is then introduced into this microplasma, where carbon particles form and eventually transform into nanodiamonds. The addition of hydrogen helps refine the structure, ensuring the formation of stable diamond particles while removing non-diamond carbon.
This method offers several advantages over conventional techniques. It allows for the integration of diamond properties into flexible electronics, medical implants, and drug delivery systems without damaging sensitive materials like plastics. Additionally, it avoids the issues of particle clustering and inconsistency seen in explosive or high-pressure methods.
The research, published in *Nature Communications*, was led by Mohan Sankaran, an associate professor in chemical engineering. He explains that the process is relatively simple but requires precise control over gas concentration and flow. The team spent nearly a year verifying the results using multiple analytical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, to confirm the formation of true diamonds.
So far, the team has produced nanodiamonds with an average size of about 2 nanometers. While they have not yet achieved gem-quality diamonds, their work represents a major step forward in diamond synthesis. The method also produces three types of diamonds: cubic, hydrogenated, and hexagonal. Hexagonal diamonds, which are harder than cubic ones, have been found in space, leading researchers to speculate that similar processes might occur in interstellar environments.
Looking ahead, the team aims to scale up production and tailor diamond properties for specific applications. With further development, this technology could make diamond-based materials more accessible and open up new possibilities in advanced manufacturing and scientific research.
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