Structure

Characteristics of the shape, surface, and core of nanodiamonds are important to understanding the potential applications for these materials. Experiments demonstrate that diamond nanoparticles are either spherical or elliptical in shape and that their surface consists of mainly carbons. At their center, there’s often a nitrogen-vacancy center defect where a nitrogen atom and a blank space take the place of carbon atoms within the lattice structure.

Applications

Diamond nanoparticles have unique properties that make them promising for a broad range of uses in a variety of fields. Nanodiamonds are as hard and as chemically stable as visible diamonds. They have low cytotoxicity and have been demonstrated to be biologically compatible. Potential applications for this inexpensive, versatile material are extensive and include:

• High-precision polishing of lenses, computer components, and jewelry
• Additive in rubber, glass, plastics, resins, ceramics, and textiles
• Coatings and films that resist heat, erosion, radiation, and wear
• Biomedical materials, including prosthetics