Electrochemical characterization of diamond like carbon thin films

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films were deposited from pure graphite target by DC magnetron sputtering method. Experimental parameters, i.e., substrate temperature and negative bias voltage, have been changed to finely tune the chemical bonding property (sp2/sp3) of the as-deposited DLC films. The as-deposited DLC films were characterized as anode materials for Li–ion batteries and special attentions were paid to the effects of sp2/sp3 ratio on the electrochemical properties of the DLC films. The results indicated that a high fraction of sp2 bonding in the DLC films is preferred for high lithium storage capacity, flat and low charge voltage plateau, and long cycling retention.