Studies of carbon incorporation on the diamond [100] surface during chemical vapor deposition using density functional theory.
Accurate potential energy surface calculations are presented for many of the key steps involved in diamond chemical vapor deposition on the [100] surface (in its 2 x 1 reconstructed and hydrogenated form). The growing diamond surface was described by using a large (approximately 1500 atoms) cluster model, with the key atoms involved in chemical steps being described by using a quantum mechanical (QM, density functional theory, DFT) method and the bulk of the atoms being described by molecular mechanics (MM). The resulting hybrid QM/MM calculations are more systematic and/or at a higher level of theory than previous work on this growth process. The dominant process for carbon addition, in the form of methyl radicals, is predicted to be addition to a surface radical site, opening of the adjacent C-C dimer bond, insertion, and ultimate ring closure. Other steps such as insertion across the trough between rows of dimer bonds or addition to a neighboring dimer leading to formation of a reconstruction on the next layer may also contribute. Etching of carbon can also occur; the most likely mechanism involves loss of a two-carbon moiety in the form of ethene. The present higher-level calculations confirm that migration of inserted carbon along both dimer rows and chains should be relatively facile, with barriers of approximately 150 kJ mol (-1) when starting from suitable diradical species, and that this step should play an important role in establishing growth of smooth surfaces.
Cheesman
Andrew
A
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
Harvey
Jeremy N
JN
Ashfold
Michael N R
MN
D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D018130:Diamond / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011789:Quantum Theory; D014835:Volatilization
D002244:Carbon; D018130:Diamond