Synthesis And Characterization Of Hypothetical Superhard C3N4 Coatings (SGER Award)

这项由SGER授予的探索性研究将尝试在金属衬底上沉积β-C3N4。这种化合物的存在是从理论考虑中预测出来的，这也表明它可能比钻石更硬。等离子体增强化学气相沉积技术将尝试在Hf和Zr单晶的(0001)面上沉积，这种单晶与化合物的晶体结构非常匹配，并且与碳和氮都有很强的键。用结晶学、金相学和摩擦学技术对涂层进行表征。

This exploratory study under an SGER award will attempt to deposit beta-C3N4 on metal substrates. The compound's existence has been predicted from theoretical considerations which also indicate that it may be harder than diamond. Deposition by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition techniques will be attempted on the (0001) faces of single crystals of Hf and Zr, which closely match the crystal structure of the compound and also have strong bonds with both carbon and nitrogen. The resultant coatings will be characterized by crystallographic, metallographic and tribological techniques.