Diamond-like nanocomposites (DLN)

A new class of amorphous hydrogenated carbon based films is described. The structure of these films consists of atomic-scale composite random networks of carbon and silicon. The carbon network is stabilized by hydrogen and the silicon network is stabilized by oxygen. The mutual stabilization of these interpenetrating atomic-scale filaments and the common random network structure prevents the growth of graphitic carbon at high temperature, serving to enhance adhesion and reduce the internal stress in these films. Such self-stabilized C-Si amorphous structures form an ideal matrix for the introduction of metals. These metals are distributed as separate atoms or as separate disordered networks, and all three networks (the carbon matrix, a-Si, and a-Me) are bonded to one another mainly by weak chemical forces. Various electron transport mechanisms and percolation phenomena are observed in diamond-like nancomposite (DLN), and “diamond-like” properties and structure are preserved in both the metallic and dielectric states. In the present paper, several methods of DLN synthesis are compared, and real applications and perspectives are discussed.