Study of the synthesis of C:H coating by PECVD for protecting Mg-based nano-objects

In the context of protecting Mg-based nano-objects for potential hydrogen storage applications, the potential of C:H layer as a barrier polymer material deposited by the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process is examined. Corrosion tests reveal (a) good barrier properties of the C:H layer and (b) suggest an increase in the internal stress with the power dissipated in the plasma. The latter is attributed to an increase in the cross-linking density of the coatings accompanied by an increase in the stiffness as shown by nanoindentation measurements. Finally, for a given set of plasma parameters, Mg-based nanowires were successfully enrobed by the C:H coatings as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy measurements.