The energy distribution function of ions impinging on nanoparticles in a collisional low-pressure plasma

A self-consistent particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision (PIC/MCC) simulation is used to calculate the ion energy distribution (IED) function of ions impinging on the surface of nanoparticles in low-pressure argon plasmas. The computation includes the effects of resonant charge-exchange and elastic collisions between ions and neutrals through a Monte Carlo null-collision method and considers both Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian electron energy distributions. Results show a strong dependence of the IED on pressure. Intermediate pressures yield a remarkable reduction in the average ion energy and an enhancement in the ion flux to the surface of the nanoparticles.