Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in diamond synthesis, developing a new technique that eliminates the need for high pressure and starter gems. Published in the journal Science, this method opens up exciting possibilities for producing lab-grown diamonds more efficiently and cost-effectively.
The conventional method for synthesizing diamonds, known as high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) growth, employs extreme pressures exceeding several gigapascals and scorching temperatures surpassing 1,500 degrees Celsius. These conditions mimic the natural environment deep beneath the Earth’s surface, where diamonds are formed. However, HPHT is energy-intensive and requires specialized equipment, making it challenging to scale up production.
The new technique, on the other hand, operates at normal atmospheric pressure and without the need for a starter gem. A team led by Il-Hwan Oh from the Institute for Basic Science in South Korea utilized a heated gallium-based mixture in a graphite crucible, through which superheated methane gas was introduced. After just 15 minutes, diamond crystals formed at the base of the crucible. Within two and a half hours, a more complete diamond film was obtained.
The researchers believe that a temperature drop drives carbon from the methane towards the center of the crucible, where it coalesces into diamond. They also discovered that silicon acts as a catalyst, facilitating the crystallization of carbon into diamond. Further research is necessary to optimize the process and increase the size of the diamonds produced.
While the diamonds synthesized using this new technique are currently too small for jewelry applications, the potential for commercial applications is vast. The low-pressure process could significantly reduce production costs and enable the synthesis of diamonds for various industrial purposes, such as polishing, drilling, and other cutting-edge technologies. The researchers anticipate that within a year or two, the world will have a clearer understanding of the commercial viability and potential applications of this groundbreaking diamond synthesis method.
