An unexpected effect of selective deposition of metallic particles on the {111} facets during mechanical treatment of diamond crystals in a planetary mill

Selective deposition of silver particles on {111} or {100} diamond facets

“…In our recent work reporting the facet-selective deposition of Fe-based particles during mechanical treatment of diamond crystals, we proposed several possible mechanisms of selective deposition. 30 Below we extend the discussion by considering the surface energies of different facets of diamond.…”

“…Similar changes to the surface of the diamond crystals occurred during treatment in the vials of the same mill without any metal powder added, as elaborated in our previous work. 30 In that case, the {111} facets were coated with an Fe-based alloy, the source of which was the material of the walls of the vial.…”

“…Our recent studies showed that, by treating diamond microcrystals in steel vials of a planetary mill without milling media, Fe-based particles can be deposited on the {111} facets of diamond. 30 We suggested that other metals are likely to show the same facet selectivity effect in this deposition process. This technologically simple and fast coating deposition method appears to be attractive for making coatings of different compositions.…”