Formation of 2D Carbon Nanosheets and Carbon-Shelled Copper Nanoparticles in Glow Discharge

A simple and reliable technique of glow discharge ignited at 700 Pa in a mixture of methane with hydrogen (5:1) was used to synthesize 15 min 2D carbon nanosheets with a thickness of about 15 nm and size up to a few μm, as well as composite nanostructures that incorporate copper nanoparticles with a diameter of 15 to 40 nm into the carbon nanosheets. The presence of the copper species was ensured by incorporating a copper anode into the setup. The nanostructures were found in a space between the graphite sample mounted on a graphite cathode and in the dents and craters left after the preliminary stage of ion cleaning of the surfaces. As a result, it was concluded that the necessity of screening the area where the synthesis takes place by a design structure cuts off the flux of ions extracted from plasma but leaves the flux of neutral species containing the carbon and copper precursors.