An international consortium of scientists from three different continents, spearheaded by Dr. Petr Cígler, head of the Synthetic Nanochemistry research group at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) in Prague, has achieved a groundbreaking advancement in the field of nanotechnology. They have developed an innovative method to create light-emitting quantum centers in nanodiamonds in a matter of minutes, which marks a significant leap from conventional techniques requiring years to yield similar results. This breakthrough paves the way for the industrial scale production of enhanced quality quantum nanodiamonds, which possess vast potential applications in both scientific research and technology-driven industries.
The method they have introduced is known as Pressure and Temperature Qubits (PTQ). This cutting-edge procedure remarkably shortens the time required to generate quantum centers within nanodiamonds to just four minutes. By simulating the extreme conditions present deep within the Earth’s mantle, the scientists apply high pressure and temperature to diamond powder, facilitating the formation of quantum centers. This method stands in stark contrast to traditional practices, which typically necessitate weeks of irradiation followed by prolonged high-temperature annealing processes, ultimately yielding only a fraction of usable material.
An intriguing component of this method involves the addition of ordinary table salt during the heat application process. As the temperature rises, the salt melts, creating a protective environment that prevents the nanodiamond particles from fusing together. Once the reaction has completed, the salt is easily removed with water, leaving behind pure and luminescent nanodiamonds that showcase improved optical and quantum characteristics. This innovative approach drastically increases the yield of usable nanodiamonds, allowing for the production of kilograms of material as compared to the mere grams obtainable via older methods.
Dr. Michal Gulka, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Cígler’s group and the first author of the study, explained, “We’ve accelerated the creation of quantum centers in nanodiamonds more than a thousandfold compared to the standard procedure. This dramatic improvement means that harvesting significant amounts of high-quality nanodiamonds is now feasible within a realistic timeframe.” The economic implications of this research are substantial, suggesting a future where high-quality nanodiamonds can be produced at a scale that facilitates their entry into widespread use across numerous fields.
Nanodiamonds are quintessentially small particles, often smaller than a virus, and they have been recognized for their potential in cutting-edge diagnostic technologies. These unique materials harness the capabilities of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, where a nitrogen atom is located adjacent to a missing carbon atom within the diamond lattice. Their inherent fluorescent properties allow nanodiamonds to emit light when illuminated, with the emitted light’s intensity and timing providing critical information about their environment, enabling them to detect individual molecules and measure temperatures within living cells.
The broad applicability of nanodiamonds is made even more promising through the collaboration with MegaDiamond, an American company dedicated to transforming these laboratory advances into industrial practice. Their forthcoming plans to launch the large-scale production of these high-quality nanosensors are poised to enhance various technological domains, including medical diagnostics. The ability to produce large quantities of nanodiamonds opens new avenues for innovative applications extending from precision sensors to local molecular detectors, which operate based on several sophisticated principles such as magnetic resonance.
Dr. Cígler further elaborates on the implications of this work, stating, “Thanks to the new method, laboratories and companies worldwide can obtain large quantities of high-quality nanodiamonds with NV centers, which opens the door to new technologies.” This advancement encapsulates a significant milestone in the integration of nanotechnology into practical applications, promising enhanced capabilities in fields that range from healthcare to materials science.
The research was partly funded through the AMULET project, a collaborative effort focused on developing advanced multiscale nanomaterials. This consortium consists of eight partners and is led by the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, thereby fostering a collaborative research environment that is essential for pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Financial support for the project was provided through the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, highlighting the commitment to fostering excellent research in the nation.
The implications of such advancements in nanotechnology cannot be overstated. As the field progresses, the ability to create sophisticated nanomaterials at an industrial scale will undoubtedly lead to the development of groundbreaking technologies, offering enhanced solutions to current challenges in diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and beyond. As researchers continue to explore the potential of modified materials at the nanoscale, the collaborative spirit seen in this international research effort may be the very key to unlocking unprecedented innovation.
The published article in the prestigious journal Advanced Functional Materials lays the groundwork for transparency and further inquiry within the scientific community, inviting researchers to build upon this promising foundation. As these scientists navigate through the myriad challenges and potential of nanodiamonds, the future of technology may very well rest on the diminutive shoulders of these remarkable nanostructures.
In addition to the technological implications, it is also crucial to consider the ethical and practical ramifications associated with the industrialization of such materials. As they become more accessible, researchers and manufacturers must navigate the complexities of responsible production and usage. It is imperative that discussions surrounding such advancements include perspectives on sustainability and the long-term effects of these materials on human health and the environment.
Ultimately, the journey from laboratory-scale experiments to industrial applications presents both opportunities and challenges. Yet, with a method that radically simplifies the creation of nanodiamonds, the future is bright. This collaborative achievement reflects the collective ingenuity and determination of researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding and application of nanotechnology.
As Dr. Cígler and his team continue their work, the scientific community watches with bated breath. The nascent technology holds promise for revolutionizing numerous sectors, potentially leading to breakthroughs in several fields that could significantly alter how we diagnose, treat, and monitor health and environmental conditions.
Subject of Research: Creation of light-emitting quantum centers in nanodiamonds
Article Title: Quantum‐Grade Nanodiamonds from a Single‐Step, Industrial‐Scale Pressure and Temperature Process
News Publication Date: 2-Oct-2025
Web References: Journal Article
References: Not Applicable
Image Credits: Photo: Tomáš Belloň/IOCB Prague
Keywords
Quantum nanodiamonds, nanotechnology, sensors, NV centers, industrial production, healthcare, diagnostics, material science, high-pressure techniques, advanced materials, environmental monitoring, collaborative research.
