Carbon Nanocones on (a-C:H)Si Composite Films: Electronic Properties and Thermal Stability

Abstract

Thermal stability and variations of the electronic properties of amorphous composite film during nanostructuring and the influence of ambient humidity on carbon nanocone growth were studied under an air-operated scanning probe microscopy device. Deviations of the nanocone shape subjected to heat treatments of up to 700degC for 30 min under vacuum conditions was also investigated. A rapid decrease of electroconductivity, an increase of film work function and electric field-induced amorphous-nanocrystalline phase transitions were observed inside the modified regions