From graphene to diamene

From graphene to diamene

Diamond, renowned for its exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, is used in diverse applications ranging from biomedical devices to electronics. Atomically thin diamond films, known as diamene or diamane (when hydrogen/fluorine is present), retain many properties of bulk diamond while exhibiting unique traits like stretchability and tunable electronic properties.

Research has focused on transforming graphene into diamond-like phases via methods such as high pressure/temperature treatment, ion irradiation, laser treatment, and ultrasonic cavitation. The transition depends on factors like graphene stacking, temperature, pressure, and presence of catalysts or passivation agents. Experimental and computational studies show that the transformation can result in cubic or hexagonal diamond structures, influenced by the motion of graphite layers and interlayer spacing.

Defects in graphene, particularly grain boundaries (GBs), play a critical role in diamond nucleation and transformation kinetics. While pristine graphene poses challenges for diamondization due to the lack of nucleation sites, GBs act as favorable transformation sites. Despite progress, the impact of defects and external loading conditions on transformation mechanisms remains inadequately understood.