Plasma Synthesis of Nitrogen Clusters on Carbon Nanotube Sheets

Abstract

The radio frequency plasma synthesis of nitrogen clusters stabilized on carbon nanotube sheets has been demonstrated under various conditions. Characterization of the samples produced has been carried out using micro-Raman and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Initial investigations of the sample morphologies and compositions have also been performed using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The spectroscopic results, together with density functional theory calculations, suggest that a linear chain nitrogen cluster is formed under the plasma conditions employed and is stabilized most likely inside the walls of the carbon nanotubes that are used as substrates during the synthesis.