Plasma Technologies for the Synthesis of Carbon Nanowalls and Advanced Applications

Carbon nanowalls (CNWs) represent a distinctive form of carbon allotropes, comprising three-dimensional networks of vertically oriented graphene sheets [1,2]. The synthesis of CNWs is, in most cases, carried out on the basis of plasma technology and the use of various types of discharge. Their synthesis can be achieved on a variety of substrates, including metals, semiconductors, and insulators, utilizing diverse fabrication methods. Recent years have witnessed a surge in the use of CNWs across a spectrum of electronic devices, ranging from optoelectronics and sensors [3-6].

This study focuses on the synthesis of carbon nanowalls (CNWs) using various plasma sources, the investigation of their physicochemical and electronic properties, and their application in the fabrication of various functional devices. A wide range of potential practical applications of CNWs is explored. CNWs were synthesized using different plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) techniques employing various plasma sources [3-6]. Photodiodes based on CNWs and CdZnTe were fabricated, and the effects of proton irradiation on the constituent materials were systematically studied, revealing the radiation resistance of the resulting photodiodes [4]. Additionally, CNW-based gas sensors for carbon dioxide detection were developed. The influence of substrate type on CNW growth was analyzed, leading to the identification of optimal electrode architectures [5]. Experimental work also included the fabrication of CNW-based electrochemical sensors for hydrogen peroxide detection [6]. It was found that nitrogen concentration during synthesis significantly affects device sensitivity.

All aspects of the research involved a comprehensive characterization of both the synthesized materials and the fabricated devices, providing valuable insights into the relationship between synthesis parameters, material properties, and device performance.

References:

[1] H.J. Cho, H. Kondo, K. Ishikawa, M. Sekine, M. Hiramatsu, M. Hori, Density control of carbon nanowalls grown by CH4/H2 plasma and their electrical properties, Carbon. 68, 380–388 (2014).

[2] M. Hiramatsu, M. Hori, Carbon Nanowalls, Springer Vienna, Vienna, 2010.

[3] Y. Yerlanuly, D. Christy, N. Van Nong, et.all, Synthesis of carbon nanowalls on the surface of nanoporous alumina membranes by RI-PECVD method, Applied Surface Science. 523, 146533 (2020).

[4] Ye.Yerlanuly, H.P. Parkhomenko, R.Ye Zhumadilov, et.all, Achieving stable photodiode characteristics under ionizing radiation with a self-adaptive nanostructured heterojunction CNWs/CdZnTe// Carbon, Volume 215, 118488 (2023)

[5] R.Y. Zhumadilov, Y. Yerlanuly, H. Kondo, et.all, Hydrogen peroxide sensing with nitrogen-doped carbon nanowalls, Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research. 43 (2024) 100614.

[6] R.Y. Zhumadilov, Y. Yerlanuly, H.P. Parkhomenko, et.all, Carbon nanowall-based gas sensors for carbon dioxide gas detection, Nanotechnology. 35 (2024) 165501.