Formation of nanocrystalline and amorphous carbon by high fluence swift heavy ion irradiation of a plasma polymerized polyterpenol thin film precursor

This study aimed to produce graphitic-polymer nanocomposite thin films via the swift heavy ion irradiation of polyterpenol thin films synthesized from an environmentally sustainable precursor by radio-frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed fluence-dependent surface restructuring of the thin films leading to the formation of interconnected island structures, with no discernible delamination from the underlying aluminum substrate. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the development of D and G peaks associated with graphitic materials, whilst Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated retention of the plasma polymer's chemical functionalities (including hydroxyl groups) within the material after irradiation. Graphitic-polymer nanocomposite films prepared by this dry and solvent-free process have numerous potential applications in biological assay, organic electronics, and membrane technology.