Unimodal and bimodal distribution of silver nanoparticles in $a$-C: Ag structures with different $sp^2/sp^3$-carbon ratios produced by low-energy ion-assisted pulsed plasma deposition
Abstract:
The results of the study of amorphous carbon coatings with encapsulated silver nanoparticles ($a$-C: Ag) are presented. Transmission electron microscopy has shown that the introduction of low-energy (100–300 eV) ion assistance in the process of pulsed plasma deposition can in various cases lead to both unimodal and bimodal distribution of silver inclusions in size. It is established that the nature of the distribution is determined by the power of the pulsed plasma source. The effect of variations in the flux of precipitating particles on the process of ion-induced surface diffusion on the surface of coatings is considered. It is shown that this process, in combination with the ion-induced formation of nucleation centers, affects the distribution of silver inclusions by size. Using spectroscopy of characteristic electron energy losses, it was found that the change in the surface concentration of silver nanoparticles correlates with the ratio of $sp^2$- and $sp^3$-hybridized carbon atoms.
Keywords:pulsed plasma spraying; ion stimulation; carbon-silver composite; bimodal particle distribution; ratio of $sp^2$- and $sp^3$-hybridized carbon.
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