Conducting carbon nanopatterns (nanowire) by energetic ion irradiation
Abstract
This work reports the formation of conducting carbon nanopatterns (nano-wires) in a semi-inorganic polymer by irradiation with energetic ions. The conducting nano-patterns/wires are evidenced by conducting atomic force microscopy. The typical diameter of the conducting wires is observed to be about similar to 50-200 nm. The density (spacing), growth direction and length of these carbon nanowires can be changed simply by ion fluence, angle of irradiation and the film thickness, respectively. The formation of conducting nanopatterns in an insulating matrix (polymers/gels) is correlated with the structural transformation of films, investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy.