Recent progress and perspectives in single-digit nanodiamond

Problems associated with the final stages in the disintegration/purification of detonation nanodiamond (DN) into monodisperse single-nanodiamond (DSND) particles are critically reviewed. Milling with zirconia beads seems to be an effective and safe method of disintegrating DN agglutinates. Two undesirable side effects of beads-milling have been identified: contamination with zirconia and generation of graphitic layers on the particle surface. A simple measure to overcome these ill effects has been suggested. Possible pitfalls that we might encounter during the search of industrial application of DSND are identified: low diamond–graphite transition temperature, and abnormally strong tendency of the dispersed primary particles to re-aggregate. Distinct non-freezing layers of adsorbed water were detected to exist on the surface of DSND, which could be both an advantage and a disadvantage in the application.