The Thermal Stability of Nanodiamond Surface Groups and Onset of Nanodiamond Graphitization

Abstract

The results of study of the surface chemistry of nanodiamonds treated by a mixture of HClO₄ and H₂SO₂ acids are presented. Changes of the composition of surface diamond groups brought up by thermal annealing were monitored by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and temperature‐programmed desorption. The decomposition of oxygen‐containing groups is observed at 300–900°C; CH_x groups decompose at 700–1150°C. The process of the annealing of ND was investigated by the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The clear onset of ND graphitization was observed at temperature of 950°C that is supported by the appearance of sp ² component in the C1s spectrum. The presence of the N1s peak in spectra of ND is observed in initial and partially graphitized ND annealed up to 1100°C.

Keywords:

• Nanodiamond
• surface groups
• graphitization

Acknowledgment

The work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research Grant 05‐03‐32995; NATO project CBP.NR.SFPP 981051 and the cooperative grant of the Department of Education of Russian Federation and CRDF NO‐008‐X1.