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

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.