Platinum nanocluster growth on vertically aligned carbon nanofiber arrays: Sputtering experiments and molecular dynamics simulations

Sputtered platinum nanocluster growth on previously plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition - PECVD - grown vertically aligned carbon nanofiber arrays is presented. Experimental cluster size distribution is shown to decrease from the CNF top to bottom, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out for understanding early stages of Pt growth on model CNF arrays. Especially, sticking coefficients, concentration profiles along CNF wall, cluster size distributions are calculated. Simulated cluster size distribution are consistent with experimental finding. Sticking coefficient decreases against deposition time. The shape of the sticking curve reflects the nanocluster growth process.

► Molecular dynamics simulation of platinum cluster growth on model carbon nanofibers. ► We compare modeled and experimental cluster growth. ► We determine sticking coefficient evolution among deposition time and type of nanofibers. ► We determine cluster size distribution on various model nanofibers.