Scientists Grow Lab Diamonds at Regular Pressure in Just 15 Minutes

Researchers have developed a new technique to synthesize diamonds under regular pressure and temperature conditions, unlike the extreme conditions typically required, New Atlas reported recently.

According to the science website, the method involves exposing a liquid metal alloy of gallium, iron, nickel, and silicon to methane and hydrogen gas at 1,025°C. After just 15 minutes, a diamond film forms on the bottom of the reaction chamber that can be easily removed for use.

This breakthrough avoids the need for the immense pressure and heat (nearly 50,000 atmospheres and 1,500°C) usually necessary to form diamonds, which occur naturally deep underground, the article added.

The researchers plan to explore other metal alloys and carbon sources to further optimize this more accessible diamond production process for industrial applications.