Multi-functional GeAg- and TiO2-modified diamond-like carbon thin film device: structure, surface properties, photoresponse, photosensitivity, and biological performance

DLC films represent a promising class of materials that can be used in various applications due to their optical, optoelectronic, tribological, and biomedical characteristics. In this work, GeAg- and TiO2-modified DLC thin films were prepared using the magnetron sputtering method under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. DLC thin film characteristics and addition of GeAg and TiO2 into the DLC structure were confirmed and subsequently assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. DLC thin film thicknesses were determined via SEM and found to be 235 nm and 380 nm for DLC/TiO2 and DLC/GeAg thin films, respectively. Contact angle and surface wettability analyses were performed for uncoated glass, GeAg- and TiO2-modified DLC thin films. The antibacterial properties of the DLC films were assessed for E. coli and S. aureus. The biocompatibility of these same films was confirmed using the L929 cell line, where no toxic effect was evidenced. To elucidate the optical characteristics of the thin films, a UV–vis spectrum was obtained, and band gap energies were proposed using these data. Photoresponse characteristics of the DLC thin films were assessed under varying illumination using current–time plots. It could be seen that DLC thin films’ responsiveness to light was dependent on illumination intensity. The results demonstrate that nanostructures are good candidates for multifunctional applications exhibiting good antibacterial and photoresponsive characteristics with outstanding biocompatibility.