Diffusion of Carbon Atoms at the Carbon-Nickel Interface During Graphitization

Interface dynamics play a crucial role in the Nickel catalyzed synthesis of carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoribbons and graphene. Interface dynamics are studied by deposition of atomic C on Ni at temperatures of 23−550°C.
The obtained films are characterized by transition electron microscopy, Ramanspectroscopy, nuclear reaction analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Bulk diffusion and carbon dissolution are found to be negligible under the chosen experimental conditions leaving surface/interface diffusion as the main graphitization mechanism.
Graphitic ordering starts at ~ 250°C and increases further at temperatures > 500°C. The initial graphitization occurs parallel to the Ni surface. As the growth continues, additional atomic planes turn perpendicular. First results are shown for the Si-Ag system processed under similar deposition conditions.