HRTEM and STEM-EELS Characterization of the Graphite Particles Irradiated by Platinum Ions Ejected from a Coaxial Arc Plasma Gun

Graphite particles were irradiated by platinum (Pt) ions using a coaxial arc plasma gun (CAPG), and the atomic structure of the irradiated graphite particles was analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The matrix of graphite particles was found to be disordered by the Pt ion irradiation, which was also confirmed by the STEM-EELS analysis. The crystal structure of graphite particles became more heavily disordered with increasing the particle size of Pt. It is suggested that the input energy of CAPG and dose of Pt ions must be optimized to deposit crystalline Pt nanoparticles without destroying the atomic structure of graphite particles.