Scientists at the University of Hong Kong have discovered that ultrathin, flexible diamond membranes can generate electricity when mechanically deformed, challenging a scientific assumption that has stood for more than a century. In experiments, bending the diamond membranes produced stable and repeatable voltage signals. The researchers found that the effect is linked to asymmetries at the grain boundaries within the polycrystalline diamond. When the membrane bends, these structures create an electrical polarization that generates a measurable voltage. The discovery could open new possibilities for diamond-based technologies, including self-powered sensors, tiny energy systems, and implantable medical devices. However, further research will be needed to explore how the effect can be developed for practical applications.
