A scanning tunnelling microscopy study of fullerene films

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Abstract
Atomic-scale and micro-scale images of C60 (fullerene) films using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) are presented. The atomic configuration of a C60 molecule has been clearly observed. Solvated fullerene molecules appear to pack in a hexagonal array on gold-coated freshly cleaved mica substrate, but they do not follow any long range order. STM images of ion-bombarded C60 films show that the bombarded films ar smoother and possibly denser than the as-deposited films. Tribological tests on as-deposited and ion-bombarded films show that these films exhibit low friction and wear that are comparable to those of best known solid lubricants. STM images of a worn film (which has been rubbed against a steel ball) show that nearly spherical wear particles are formed which may roll in a sliding contact resulting in low friction and wear.