High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy surface studies of hydrogenated detonation nano-diamond spray-deposited films

Nano-diamond films composed of 3–5 nm grains prepared by the detonation method and spray deposited onto silicon substrates were examined by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HR-EELS), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The HR-EEL spectrum of the annealed and hydrogenated films displays dominant C–H losses at 360–365 meV; the diamond optical phonon and its overtones. These results suggest that the films reveal well defined hydrogenated diamond surfaces on the nanometric scale. Detailed analysis of the diamond optical phonon overtone revealed a red-shift of the basic C–C vibration by 5 meV. We attribute this shift to a phonon quantum confinement effect detected by HR-EELS spectroscopy.