Plasma-induced low-temperature growth of graphitic nanofibers on nickel substrates

Graphitic nanofibers have been synthesized on Ni(1 0 0) substrates via DC plasma chemical vapor deposition using a gas mixture of hydrogen and methane. The diameter of the fibers is in the range 50–200 nm, controlled by the size of the nickel tip of each fiber. The substrate temperature during deposition was 350–400°C. No special treatment of the substrate was employed to promote the nucleation of nanofibers, though scratches on the substrate surface were found to be favorable for the nucleation of the fibers. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the fibers obtained. The effect of the plasma on the growth of the fibers low temperature is discussed.