Luminescent Diamond via HPHT Nitrogen Vacancy Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing luminescent nanodiamonds are expensive, energy-intensive, and limit the availability and affordability of this material for various applications, particularly in biological uses.

Innovation Solution

A method involving high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) processing of diamond grains to induce plastic deformation, creating nitrogen vacancy defects and increasing luminescent activity, combined with controlled use of catalysts and subsequent treatments to enhance luminescence intensity, while minimizing intercrystalline bonding and optimizing particle size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional methods are used to produce luminescent nanodiamonds, then luminescent material is obtained, but the production is expensive and energy-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing HPHT conditions (high pressure and high temperature) to transform precursor diamond grains into luminescent diamond. By controlling pressure, temperature, and catalyst parameters, the process achieves luminescent transformation through plastic deformation and nitrogen vacancy defect formation, providing a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses catalyst materials as intermediaries to facilitate the transformation of precursor diamond grains into luminescent diamond. The catalyst promotes nitrogen vacancy defect formation and luminescent activity during HPHT processing, enabling the reaction to proceed under more favorable conditions with lower energy input and reduced cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If HPHT processing is applied to increase luminescence intensity, then luminescence intensity increases up to 10 times, but intercrystalline bonding occurs reducing particle availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminescence intensityVSAvoidintercrystalline bonding

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using controlled amounts of catalyst material and optimizing HPHT parameters to achieve sufficient plastic deformation and nitrogen vacancy defect formation for high luminescence intensity, while avoiding excessive conditions that would cause complete sintering and intercrystalline bonding. This allows production of semi-sintered diamond with desired luminescent properties and maintained particle characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by precisely controlling pressure, temperature, and catalyst concentration during HPHT processing. By adjusting these parameters within optimal ranges, the process achieves high luminescence intensity through nitrogen vacancy defect formation while minimizing intercrystalline bonding, producing diamond material with balanced luminescent activity and particle integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting luminescent diamond exhibits luminescence intensity up to 10 times greater than conventional methods, making it more affordable and available for a broader range of applications, including biological imaging and sensing.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting a volume of precursor diamond grains to a high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) condition to cause the grains to undergo plastic deformation to produce nitrogen vacancy defects in the diamond grains

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

increases the luminescent activity and intensity of the resulting diamond material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Implementation Method 3

a catalyst material that may be a metal solvent catalyst to promote intercrystalline diamond bonding under HPHT conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

using a pressure transfer media operates during the HPHT process to both promote desired plastic deformation of the diamond particles and fills gaps between the diamond particles to thereby minimize or prevent unwanted diamond graphitization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure transfer: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 5

laser-infused fluorescence may be applied to image and track a single molecule or particle in a biological cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12595410B2Luminescent diamond

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Luminescent diamond is made by subjecting a volume of diamond grains to high-pressure/high-temperature conditions with or without a catalyst or pressure transfer media to cause the grains to undergo plastic deformation to produce nitrogen vacancy defects, increasing the luminescent activity/intensity of the resulting diamond material. The consolidated diamond material may be further treated to further increase luminescent activity/intensity including reducing the consolidated diamond material to diamond particles, heat treatment in vacuum, and/or air heat treatment. The resulting luminescent diamond particles display a level of luminescence intensity greater than that of conventional luminescent nanodiamond, and may be functionalized for use in biological applications.