Matthias Ramm

Studies of amorphous carbon using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray-absorption fine structure and Raman spectroscopy

Abstract We report core level and valence band X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), carbon K and oxygen K near-edge X-ray-absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), and Raman spectroscopy results of plasma-deposited amorphous carbon generated from fullerene C 60 . In comparison with evaporated C 60 , the C 1 s peak is broader and asymmetric for the amorphous carbon film and its shake-up satellites disappear. The valence band shows three fairly broad peaks. Only one prominent π * resonance occurs in the NEXAFS spectrum. Recognizable structures appear in the σ * region indicating the formation of new bonds. In the Raman spectrum the typical D and G bands were observed. The amorphization of C 60 and post-plasma functionalization of the surface after exposure to atmosphere cause changes in the electronic structure.

14N@C60 formation in a nitrogen rf-plasma

Atomic nitrogen was encapsulated inside a vaporized C60 molecule in rf-plasma, which was confirmed by ESR.