The chemical synthesis of diamond. Aspects of the general theory

The theory of the synthesis of diamond by the polycondensation of light carbon-containing molecules is examined, and the optimum stoichiometric, thermodynamic, and kinetic conditions for diamond and graphite polycondensation and the reverse conversion of diamond and graphite by water vapour and carbon dioxide are described. The formation of critical nuclei of diamond shows no specific restrictions, and can take place under static conditions. The growth of these nuclei and their transformation into macrocrystals require specific macrokinetic conditions, which can be produced only in non-equilibrium open catalytic systems. The conclusions from the theory are confirmed by analysis of the conditions of experiments on the growth of diamond crystals and the synthesis of diamond films on various supports, and of the formation and growth of diamond meta-crystals in nature. The bibliography includes 74 references.