Phase identification of $C_3N_4$ in CN films prepared by rf plasma chemical vapor deposition and dc magnetron sputtering

Phase identification of $C_3N_4$ in CN films prepared by rf plasma chemical vapor deposition and dc magnetron sputtering

We prepared $C_3N_4$ films by rf plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition(PCVD) and alternating $C_3N_4$/TiN composite films by dc magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron diffraction (TED) revealed that the structure of the films is amorphous or polycrystalline, depending on deposition conditions and heat treatment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of $sp_3\; and sp _2$ hybridized C atoms bonded with N atoms in the tetrahedral and hexagonal configurations, respectively. Graphite-free $C_3N_4$ films were obtained by PCVD under optimal conditions. To prepare well crystallized $C_3N_4$ films by magnetron sputtering, we introduced negatively biased gratings in the sputtering system. CN films deposited at grating voltages (Vg) lower than 400V are amorphous. Crystallites of cubic and $\beta$-$C_3N_4$ were formed at increased voltages.