Scientists in Korea have unveiled a new method for producing artificial diamonds using liquid metal at high temperatures and low pressure. While natural diamonds take billions of years to form under extreme heat and pressure deep underground, synthetic diamonds can be made much faster with intense pressure for several weeks. The new technique developed by the Korean researchers can create diamonds in just 150 minutes at a temperature of 1,025 degrees Celsius without the need for enormous pressure.
In their research published in the journal Nature, scientists from the Korean Institute of Basic Sciences explained how this new method could revolutionize the field of synthetic diamond production. By dissolving carbon into liquid metal, they have been able to produce diamond crystals. Although this process is not entirely new, the Korean team has reduced the required pressure level by carefully mixing liquid metals gallium, iron, nickel, and silicon.
The process involves a specialized vacuum system built inside a graphite shell that rapidly heats and cools the metal while it is exposed to a mixture of methane and hydrogen. This causes carbon atoms from the methane to penetrate the molten metal, acting as diamond “seeds.” After 15 minutes, small pieces of diamond crystals begin to form, and after 150 minutes, a continuous diamond film is created.
The team of scientists believes that with further adjustments, this new method has immense potential to be even more effective. While research is still in its early stages, they are optimistic about its future applications and believe it could potentially be combined with other liquid metals to achieve even better results.
The discovery marks a significant advancement in synthetic diamond production technology and opens up endless possibilities for various industries such as electronics, optics and energy production.
This groundbreaking technology is expected to change the game in the world of synthetic diamond production by offering a faster and more efficient way to produce these precious stones without compromising on their quality or properties.
