Transformation of diamond nanoparticles into onion-like carbon by electron irradiation studied directly inside an ultrahigh-vacuum transmission electron microscope

Abstract

In situ observation of the transformation of diamond nanoparticles (DNP) into onion-like carbon (OLC) was made during electron-beam irradiation inside an ultrahigh-vacuum transmission electron microscope at 300 kV with 8.5×1023e∕m2. 5 nm DNP changed into OLC within about 10 min of irradiation, while 20 nm DNP did not change to OLC but to graphite. Therefore, the size effect is critical to the formation of OLC. The mechanism of formation of OLC from DNP is discussed.