Researchers report that ultrathin, flexible diamond membranes generate electricity when mechanically bent or deformed. The work identifies a piezoelectric effect in thin, polycrystalline diamond sheets, contradicting the long-held view that diamond cannot produce electricity in this way.
The studies describe the effect as repeatable and strongest at certain thicknesses, with the largest response reported for membranes about five micrometres thick. Unlike bulk diamond, where the behavior was not observed, the electrical response in the membranes is linked to structural features—particularly grain boundaries within the polycrystalline sheets—that produce the piezoelectric response under strain.
The outlets agree on the core findings while emphasizing different implications. One article highlights the physical mechanism and potential for energy harvesting and smart electronics, while another focuses on broader application areas such as sensors, small power systems, and self-powered medical implants. Both present the discovery as a new route for diamond-based devices that convert mechanical motion into electrical output.
