Copper nanoclusters in amorphous hydrogenated carbon

Abstract

A study of the geometric characteristics of copper nanoclusters incorporated in an amorphous hydrogenated carbon matrix is reported. It makes use of small-angle x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy (100 keV). The fractal dimension and nanocluster diameter have been determined from the x-ray scattering indicatrix for different copper concentrations. TEM images of copper nanoclusters have been analyzed, and a cluster distribution function in size constructed. The shape of the distribution function is discussed in terms of the theory of nucleation of a new phase.