Diamond nanoparticles (nanodiamonds) behave outstanding chemical, electronic, thermal and optical properties. Such nanoparticles are actively investigated for nanomedecine, energy applications, quantum technologies and advanced lubricants and composites. For most applications, a fine control of their core composition and surface chemistry is essential to adjust the requested properties. The group at CEA-NIMBE-LEDNA behaves expertise in growth and surface modifications of nanodiamonds by gas phase treatments using homemade set-ups.
Nanodiamonds from detonation synthesis or obtained by milling of bulk diamond are used. Both sources of nanodiamonds can be exposed to thermal treatments performed in different atmospheres (air, hydrogen, argon, vacuum). Such treatments led to controlled surface chemistry: oxidized with numerous carboxylic groups; reduced either with carbon/hydrogen bonds or sp2 carbon reconstructions.
Three main research topics are currently investigated:
- Understand the intrinsic properties of nanodiamonds
role of defects and chemical impurities, colloidal properties, behavior under irradiation, emission of solvated electrons, interactions with radicals,… - Explore the photocatalytic performances of nanodiamonds
Especially for hydrogen production under solar illumination by water splitting: band gap engineering, heterojunctions - Growth of tailored nanodiamonds:
a bottom-up approach is under progress at CEA-NIMBE-LEDNA to grow nanodiamonds with controlled size, shape and doping.
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Durabilité et vieillissement des matériaux › 
Matériaux, nanomatériaux, matériaux pour l'électronique, l'énergie et matériaux du patrimoine @ NIMBE
• Institut Rayonnement Matière de Saclay • UMR 3685 NIMBE : Nanosciences et Innovation pour les Matériaux, la Biomédecine et l'Énergie
