Different formation of carbon nanofilaments as a function of the gap between the substrate and the microwave plasma

Different formation of carbon nanofilaments as a function of the gap between the substrate and the microwave plasma

Iridium-catalyzed carbon nanofilaments were formed on MgO substrate as a function of the gap between the substrate and the plasma using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. Under the remote plasma condition, carbon nanofibers were formed on the substrate. Under the adjacent plasma condition, on the other hand, carbon nanotubes-like materials instead of carbon nanofibers could be formed. When the substrate immersed into the plasma, any carbon nanofilaments formation couldn't be observed. During the reaction, the substrate temperatures were measured as a function of the gap. Based on these results, the cause for the different carbon nanofilaments formation according to the gap was discussed.