Ion beam joining of ceramic and carbon-based nanostructures

Ion beam assisted joining of nanostructured materials is a relatively new field. In particular, ion beam technique
has been proven to be worthwhile for joining ceramic nanostructures. However, a large scope is still remaining to
study heterojunctions between two dissimilar materials as the process of formation of bonds between two dis
similar
materials is still to be understood. In this work we pick up a ceramic oxide and carbon based material to
study ion beam joining. Specifically, we for the first time show heterojunction formation between hydrogen
titanate nanowire (HTNW) and carbon nanotube (CNT) by the low energy ion beam. In order to understand the
mechanism, we have invoked density functional theory and three-dimensional ion–solid interaction simulations.
Experimental results are supported by predictions of simulations and suggest that the joining is established
through ion beam mixing, surface defects and sputter redeposition at the junction points. The current study
enlightens how the defects and sputtered out atoms are involved in the joining process. The chemical bonds
between HTNW and CNT are formed only when C vacancy and simultaneously non-lattice O and C were pro
duced
during irradiation. The effect of joining on electrical conductivity and surface wetting has also been
studied experimentally in this work, which is supported by simulations.