A method for providing electroless plating is provided. An amorphous carbon barrier layer is formed over the low-k dielectric layer by providing a flow a deposition gas, comprising a hydrocarbon, H2, and an oxygen free diluent, forming a plasma from the deposition gas, and stopping the flow of the deposition gas. The amorphous carbon barrier layer is conditioned by providing a flow of a conditioning gas comprising H2 and a diluent, forming a plasma from the conditioning gas, which conditions a top surface of the amorphous carbon barrier layer, and stopping the flow of the conditioning gas. The amorphous carbon barrier layer is functionalized by providing a flow of a functionalizing gas comprising NH3 or H2 and N2, forming a plasma from the functionalizing gas, and stopping the flow of the functionalizing gas. An electroless process is provided to form an electrode over the barrier layer.