How Super Diamonds Could Change the World

Understanding Its Unique Properties

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, Chinese researchers have successfully synthesized an ultra-hard “super diamond” that surpasses the hardness and thermal stability of natural diamonds. This advancement holds significant promise for various industrial applications, potentially revolutionizing fields that require materials with exceptional durability and heat resistance.

The Genesis of the Super Diamond

The journey to creating this super diamond began with the study of lonsdaleite, a rare hexagonal form of diamond first discovered in the Canyon Diablo meteorite in Arizona in 1967. Unlike the common cubic structure of natural diamonds, lonsdaleite possesses a hexagonal lattice arrangement of carbon atoms, theoretically endowing it with superior hardness and unique properties. However, natural occurrences of lonsdaleite are typically microscopic and contaminated with impurities, limiting their practical applications.

Innovative Synthesis Process

To overcome these challenges, the research team from Jilin University, led by Professors Liu…