Graphitization of polymer surfaces by low-energy ion irradiation

The surface of several polymers was graphitized by low-energy ion irradiation. Their conducting properties were studied as a function of the energy of the ions and the irradiation temperature. It was found that at rather modest ion energies (∼1000eV) and irradiation temperatures (<400°C), polymer surfaces transform to a graphitized state. The graphitized layer consists of overlapping graphite islands with a diameter of 1–3nm and exhibits a semimetallic conductivity. Gradually reducing the energy of the ions and the irradiation temperature, the authors observed a transition from semimetallic to variable range hopping conductivity.