Conformal Core-Shell Carbon Coatings deposited in a Rotational CVD Reactor
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Core-shell particles offer a unique material system for applications in tribology. For example, the combination of a silica (SiO₂) core with a pyrolytic carbon (PyC) shell (SiO₂@PyC) can provide enhanced mechanical stability, reduced friction, and improved wear resistance, making such particles highly appealing for lubrication. Additionally, the PyC coating offers chemical stability and bio-compatibility, expanding their potential use in battery, energy storage, and biomedical applications. However, lab-scale synthesis remains challenging due to the difficulties of handling particles in environments that use explosive gases at high temperatures. In this study, SiO₂@PyC particles were synthesized using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) rotational reactor, ensuring a uniform and controlled coating process. The reactor was designed to permit controlled rotation of particles during the coating with PyC in low pressure or hazardous atmospheres. The synthesis approach facilitates precise tuning of the core-shell architecture, enabling optimization of the tribological properties. Comprehensive characterization, including morphological, structural, and functional analysis, was conducted to evaluate performance.