Synthesis of Nano-Diamonds in Electric ARC Hydrocarbon Plasma

In this study, nanodiamonds were synthesized in a hydrocarbon-arc plasma. Unlike the HPHT method for diamond synthesis, in this study, the nanodiamond synthesis process occurs at atmospheric pressure and temperatures of approximately 1000 degrees Celsius. Moreover, no inert gases or diamond nuclei were required. Diamonds formed both on electrodes and in free flight in a carbon-hydrogen-hydrocarbon environment. Individual silicon atoms evaporated from a mixture of silicon powder and carbon dust placed in a graphite crucible anode may have served as a catalyst for nanodiamond formation.