Ion Implantation as an Approach for Structural Modifications and Functionalization of Ti3C2Tx MXenes.

MXenes are a young family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides with highly controllable structure, composition, and surface chemistry to adjust for target applications. Here, we demonstrate the modifications of two-dimensional MXenes by low-energy ion implantation, leading to the incorporation of Mn ions in Ti3C2Tx (where Tx is a surface termination) thin films. Damage and structural defects caused by the implantation process are characterized at different depths by XPS on Ti 2p core-level spectra, by ToF-SIMS, and with electron energy loss spectroscopy analyses. Results show that the ion-induced alteration of the damage tolerant Ti3C2Tx layer is due to defect formation at both Ti and C sites, thereby promoting the functionalization of these sites with oxygen groups. This work contributes to the inspiring approach of tailoring 2D MXene structure and properties through doping and defect formation by low-energy ion implantation to expand their practical applications.

Gentle quantitative measurement of helium density in nanobubbles in silicon by spectrum imaging.

We propose an original method for the determination of the physical properties of nanometer sized helium bubbles using spectrum imaging in an energy-filtered transmission electron microscope. Helium bubbles synthesized by high fluence implantation and thermal annealing in silicon are investigated. The acquisition parameters are determined to optimize both signal/noise ratio and time. The limitations to the extent of observable areas on a typical sample are explained. The necessary data correction and helium K-edge position measurement procedures are detailed and the accuracy of the method is discussed. Finally helium density maps are obtained and discussed.

Atomic scale structure of (001) hydrogen-induced platelets in germanium.

An accurate characterization of the structure of hydrogen-induced platelets is a prerequisite for investigating both hydrogen aggregation and formation of larger defects. On the basis of quantitative high resolution transmission electron microscopy experiments combined with extensive first principles calculations, we present a model for the atomic structure of (001) hydrogen-induced platelets in germanium. It involves broken Ge-Ge bonds in the [001] direction that are dihydride passivated, vacancies, and trapped H(2) molecules, showing that the species involved in platelet formation depend on the habit plane. This model explains all previous experimental observations.