A research team from China’s Jilin University and Sun Yat-sen University recently succeeded in synthesizing an ultra-hard, high-quality “super diamond” in the laboratory. Its strength is about 40% higher than that of natural diamonds, and it possesses excellent thermal stability. This groundbreaking achievement was published earlier this month in the authoritative international journal Nature Materials.
Table of Contents
Hexagonal Diamond: Inspiration from the Cosmos
Traditional diamonds typically have a cubic crystal structure. However, the diamonds synthesized by these researchers possess a hexagonal lattice structure, known as “hexagonal diamond” (also called Lonsdaleite). This type of diamond structure is extremely rare in nature. It was first discovered in 1967 within a meteorite that fell to Earth in Arizona, forming the Barringer Crater. At the time, scientists hypothesized that the extremely high pressure and temperature generated by the meteorite impact transformed graphite into this hexagonal diamond, which retains the parallel hexagonal lattice structure of graphite.
However, these natural hexagonal diamonds are extremely scarce and microscopic in size, making them unusable for a long time. Past attempts to synthesize them in experiments were few and far between, and the quality was unstable.
Unlocking the Path of Graphite Transformation: Post-Graphite Phase and Extreme Conditions
The key to the Chinese researchers’ success lies in their discovery that graphite forms a new structure called a “post-graphite phase” under extremely high-pressure conditions. When subjected to heating and compression under high pressure in this state, graphite transforms into well-crystallized, nearly pure hexagonal diamond.
Experiments show that this artificially synthesized hexagonal diamond can withstand pressures of up to 155 GPa, and its thermal stability can reach 1100°C, far superior to natural diamonds (approximately 100 GPa and 700°C). Its physical properties are also significantly better than traditional nanodiamonds, which are typically smaller than 100 nanometers.
Industrial Applications and Future Outlook
The research team points out that this ultra-hard material has extremely high application potential in fields such as high-strength machining, precision drilling, and cutting tools. Furthermore, research in the United States also supports the possibility that hexagonal diamond may be even harder than cubic diamond, further enhancing its value in high-end manufacturing.
Beyond industrial uses, some scientists have mentioned that hexagonal diamond could even become a new option in the jewelry market in the future, for example, being applied in high-end ornaments like engagement rings. Its unique structure and rarity might serve as an alternative to traditional diamonds.
This breakthrough not only provides a new theoretical framework for human understanding of the process of graphite transforming into diamond but also offers an experimental basis and technological path for the future development of new ultra-hard materials.
Reference
- Scientists develop superhard diamond, 40% stronger than natural diamond
- Scientists make ‘super diamond’ 40% harder than real thing
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