Lateral and in-depth distribution of functional groups on diamond-like carbon after oxygen plasma treatments

A diamond like carbon material has been exposed to a low pressure microwave and atmospheric pressure plasma of oxygen to enhance its hydrophilicity and surface energy. For comparison, data are also reported after activation with a beam of neutral atoms of oxygen. The surface incorporation of oxygenated functional groups and the determination of the in-depth distribution of this element have been analysed by means of the X ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to get information of the surface topography and, by recording friction maps of the surface, the lateral distribution of oxygenated functional groups formed after the different activation treatments. Differences in surface composition, topography and in-depth and lateral distribution of oxygen have been correlated with the intrinsic characteristics of the activation plasma processes.

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► Plasma treated DLC surface enhance its hydrophilicity and surface energy.
► In-depth distribution of oxygenated functional groups depends on the plasma treatment.
► Friction maps represent the lateral distribution of oxygenated functional groups.