Hybridization and Modification of the Ni∕C[sub 60] Composites

Hybridization and thermal evolution of the Ni+C60 composites, deposited on Si(001) at room temperature, were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy, μ‐Raman spectroscopy and Rutherford Backscattering. As‐deposited, the hybrid films exhibited a granular nano‐structure with Ni nano‐particles encapsulated in C60 polymerized rinds. The Ni and C (C60) distributions in a top layer were found homogeneous with a stable Ni/C (C60) ratio; in the larger depth the distributions were inhomogeneous and their ratio dramatically varied. At elevated temperatures, all structural parameters were changed. In the subsurface layer Ni—and C (C60)—rich zones were formed (due to the induced phase separation), C60—molecules decayed and their fragments were transformed into amorphous carbon (a‐C). The free volume distribution of the stressed hybrid matter was analyzed by the Hg marker that (in a form of vapors) in‐diffused in to the samples. The RBS analysis showed that the Hg distribution of the as‐deposited films followed the...