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Reading between the diamonds

Researchers used lab tools to mimic extreme conditions, redefining the conditions under which carbonates can exist in the Earth's lower mantle. The study expands our understanding of the deep carbon cycle and the Earth's evolution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2021

Diamonds need voltage

Researchers have found that tiny diamonds can form in the presence of small electric fields, which play a central role in their creation. The experiments conducted by the Russian research team showed that applying less than one volt triggers a chemical transformation process, resulting in pure carbon in the form of diamond.

Scientists and philosopher team up, propose a new way to categorize minerals

Scientists propose a new way to categorize minerals by incorporating historical data, highlighting the importance of understanding a sample's formation process. The IMA system is criticized for being time-independent, while the proposed approach uses 'historical natural kinds' to reflect changes in Earth's diversity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020

Getting single-crystal diamond ready for electronics

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully polished a single-crystal diamond wafer to near-atomic smoothness using plasma-assisted polishing, which could enable the material's use in high-performance power devices and heat sinks. The technique avoids damaging the crystal structure and preserves its chemical properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2020

Rice finds path to nanodiamond from graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to create nanodiamond from graphene by applying pinpoint pressure, overcoming the energetic barrier to nucleation. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of single-crystal diamond films for electronics and optical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateOct 29, 2020

Natural nanodiamonds in oceanic rocks

Researchers have discovered natural nanodiamonds in oceanic rocks, confirming the formation of diamonds under low-pressure conditions. The discovery was made in Cuba's Moa-Baracoa Ophiolitic Massif and provides new insights into the geological processes that form these valuable gemstones.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·DateOct 16, 2020

Turning diamond into metal

By straining diamond to change its electronic properties, researchers can dial it from insulating to highly conductive, or metallic. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new optical devices, quantum sensors, and high-efficiency solar cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

Geoscience: Cosmic diamonds formed during gigantic planetary collisions

An international research team found large diamonds and nanodiamonds in ureilite meteorites, suggesting they formed through massive impact events rather than continuous pressure in planetary precursors. The discovery challenges existing theories and provides insights into the extreme forces that shaped the early solar system.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2020

Glass blowing inspires new class of quantum sensors

A team of scientists, led by RMIT University, has developed a new class of quantum sensors using high-performance diamond particles embedded in conventional glass fibers. This breakthrough enables the creation of cheap quantum sensor networks for applications such as underwater monitoring and mining.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAPL Materials·DateAug 12, 2020

Exotic mixtures

Researchers have developed a precise method for evaluating the behavior of mixtures under high pressure using X-ray scattering. The study reveals that hot hydrocarbon mixtures in ice giants can produce diamond rain, which generates an additional energy source.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2020

Bending diamond at the nanoscale

A team of Australian scientists has discovered that diamond can be bent and deformed at the nanoscale, creating possibilities for the design and engineering of new nanoscale devices. The discovery opens up a range of possibilities for applications in sensing, defence and energy storage.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 5, 2020