Catalytic graphitization of an amorphous carbon film under focused electron beam irradiation due to the presence of sputtered nickel metal particles

Electron beam irradiation of Ni particles (diameter: similar to 500 nm) in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) formed small secondary particles, which moved randomly on an amorphous carbon film. Catalytic graphitization occurred along the path traced by the moving particles. It is generally well known that heat treatment is needed to produce catalytic graphitization of an amorphous carbon. However, we rapidly produced catalytic graphitization in the presence of sputtered Ni particles by focused electron beam irradiation in the TEM although no external heating was employed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.