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arXiv · 1105.2057

Amorphous interface layer in thin graphite films grown on the carbon face of SiC

R. Colby·M. L. Bolen·M. A. Capano·E. A. Stach
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Abstract

Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to characterize an amorphous layer observed at the interface in graphite and graphene films grown via thermal decomposition of C-face 4H-SiC. The amorphous layer does not to cover the entire interface, but uniform contiguous regions span microns of cross-sectional interface. Annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) images and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) demonstrate that the amorphous layer is a carbon-rich composition of Si/C. The amorphous layer is clearly observed in samples grown at 1600°C for a range of growth pressures in argon, but not at 1500°C, suggesting a temperature-dependent formation mechanism.

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R. Colby, M. L. Bolen, M. A. Capano, E. A. Stach. 2011-05-10. Amorphous interface layer in thin graphite films grown on the carbon face of SiC. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3635786

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