Growth of nitrogenated fullerene-like carbon on Ni islands by ion beam sputtering

• Published in: Carbon (New York) Vol. 45; no. 13; pp. 2678 - 2684
• Main Authors: Paredez, P., Maia da Costa, M.E.H., Zagonel, L.F., Ribeiro, C.T.M., Alvarez, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2007; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Materials science; Physics; Specific materials; Fullerenes; Ions; Growth; Carbon; Sputtering
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2007.07.016

The synthesis and properties of fullerene-like carbon materials containing nitrogen deposited by ion beam sputtering in a high-vacuum chamber are reported. The samples are grown on Si substrate by sequentially depositing a titanium nitride thin film, nanometric nickel particles, and carbon. The carbon nanostructured samples were prepared by sputtering a carbon target in nitrogen and helium–nitrogen atmospheres. The effect of the noble gas on the nanostructure formation is reported. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed in an ultra high-vacuum chamber, attached to the deposition system, reveals the incorporation of nitrogen in the carbon layer coating the nickel particles. Atomic force microscopy shows dome-like shaped structures. Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy show multi-wall graphenes covering the nickel particles. The field emission properties of the structures are reported.