Groundbreaking Advancement in Mass Production of Hexagonal Diamonds

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In a groundbreaking development, researchers have successfully synthesized bulk hexagonal diamond (HD), a long-pursued carbon allotrope. This breakthrough, published in the prestigious journal Nature in 2025, marks a watershed moment in materials science with far-reaching implications.

The synthesis process involves the controlled transformation between graphite and HD layers, with direct conversion observed in specific orientations. The HD bulk sample is composed of tightly intergrown nanocrystals approximately 100 nanometers in size, organized into a complex threefold intergrowth network.

Hexagonal diamond crystallizes in a hexagonal lattice, theoretically imparting enhanced hardness, potentially greater thermal conductivity, and unique electronic properties. However, the hardness of HD is only marginally higher than that of cubic diamond, challenging prevailing theoretical models. Crucial insights were gained regarding the bonding characteristics within the HD lattice during the research.

The synthesis of bulk HD, also known as lonsdaleite, has bridged the gap between theoretical promise and practical realization, reshaping the foundational understanding of carbon polymorphs. The novel properties and applications enabled by bulk HD may redefine standards of hardness, thermal management, and quantum coherence.

The implications of successfully producing bulk HD extend to potential applications in cutting-edge electronics, quantum computing substrates, and industrial-grade cutting or abrasion tools. Science Magazine readers can anticipate a surge of research building upon this foundation, including studies about HD's unique interactions with light, electrons, and phonons.

Continued interdisciplinary collaboration among physicists, chemists, and engineers will be paramount in translating this discovery from the laboratory bench to real-world innovations. The ability to generate high-quality HD crystals in macroscopic quantities will enable systematic investigation of its physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.

The revelation of bulk HD invites a bold reexamination of carbon's allotropes and a renewed enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of what synthetic materials can achieve. The synthesis methodology provides a blueprint for fabricating other exotic carbon allotropes under controlled conditions.

The work on bulk HD has opened a new chapter in the quest to harness carbon's versatile chemistry for transformative technologies. This breakthrough is set to revolutionize the field of materials science and pave the way for a new era of advanced materials with unprecedented properties.