Tech Briefs

Description

Synthetic three-dimensional carbon structures, such as diamonds, have excellent properties and characteristics in comparison to other allotropes of carbon, in part, due to the manner in which the carbon atoms are arranged. These properties include excellent mechanical properties, electrical properties, optical properties, and thermal conductivity, among many other desirable features. Typical processes for manufacturing these structures require the application of high pressure on graphite, which consists of graphene layers. The force exerted on the graphene sheets can reconfigure their atomic structure into a stable, three-dimensional structure. However, the force necessary can be greater than one hundred thousand times atmospheric pressure, which raises safety concerns. In addition, manufacturing these structures using such processes requires substantial capital and equipment as a result of such safety concerns. As a result, there is a need for an improved process for manufacturing a three-dimensional carbon structure. In particular, there is a need for an improved process for manufacturing a three-dimensional carbon structure that allows for control of the shape and/or configuration of the final structure.