Fabrication and growth mechanism of ultra-crystalline C(60)on silicon substrate in vacuum

Abstract

We report a simple procedure to fabricate single crystals 3D C(60)having an FCC structure on silicon substrates using a vapour-solid set-up in vacuum conditions. The morphology of the deposited film can be tuned by controlling the temperature and position of the substrate. The as-fabricated samples are extensively characterised by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nano-indentation, which allow us to shed light on the recrystallization process of the C-60. In addition, the growth mechanism of the formation of crystalline 3D structure of the C(60)film is discussed in detail. Based on the newly gained knowledge of mechanism and its unique properties, fullerene has shown huge potential as a solid lubricant on various kinds of substrates.