Diamond-like carbon films deposited on three-dimensional shape substrate model by liquid electrochemical technique

• Published in: Thin solid films 2015-09, Vol.590, p.60-63
• Main Authors: He, Y.Y., Zhang, G.F., Zhao, Y., Liu, D.D., Cong, Y., Buck, V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alignment; Atomic force microscopy; Deposition; Diamond-like carbon films; DLC films; Liquid electrochemical technique; Raman spectroscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Stainless steels; Three dimensional; Three dimensional models; Three-dimensional shape substrate model
• ISSN: 0040-6090; 1879-2731
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2015.07.031

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited on three-dimensional (3D) shape substrate model by electrolysis of 2-propanol solution at low temperature (60°C). This 3D shape model was composed of a horizontally aligned stainless steel wafer and vertically aligned stainless steel rods. Morphology and microstructure of the films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The results suggested there were only differences in film uniformity and thickness for two kinds of samples. The hydrogenated amorphous carbon films deposited on horizontally aligned substrate were smooth and homogeneous. And the film thickness of DLC films gained on the vertical substrates decreased along vertical direction. It is believed that bubble formation could enhance nucleation on the wetted capillary area. This experiment shows that deposition of DLC films by liquid phase deposition on 3D shape conductive substrates is possible. •DLC film is expected to be deposited on complex surface/shape substrate.•DLC film is deposited on 3D shape substrate by liquid electrochemical method.•Horizontal substrate is covered by smooth and homogeneous DLC films.•Film thickness decreases along vertical direction due to boiling effect.