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Network Covalent Solids

Network Covalent Solids

Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...

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Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons via Origami-Like Self-Folding

Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons via Origami-Like Self-Folding

Published on: September 23, 2018

Graphene reknits its holes.

Recep Zan¹, Quentin M Ramasse, Ursel Bangert

¹School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.

|July 7, 2012

Summary

Electron beam-induced nanoholes in graphene heal spontaneously. The healing process involves filling with various 2D structures, offering new graphene tailoring methods.

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

Single-layer graphene is a promising material with unique electronic and mechanical properties.
Electron beam irradiation can induce structural modifications in graphene, such as nanoholes.
The presence of metal impurities can influence graphene's response to electron beam exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the spontaneous healing of nanoholes in single-layer graphene.
To characterize the atomic structure of the healed regions.
To explore potential applications in graphene tailoring.

Main Methods:

Electron beam etching at room temperature to create nanoholes.
Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) for real-time observation of the healing process.

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Atom-by-atom analysis of the regrown structures.

Main Results:

Nanoholes in single-layer graphene heal spontaneously at room temperature.
The healing process involves the incorporation of non-hexagonal, graphene-like, or perfect hexagonal 2D structures.
Scanning transmission electron microscopy enabled detailed, atom-by-atom study of the healing and regrowth.

Conclusions:

Spontaneous healing of electron beam-induced nanoholes in graphene is a viable phenomenon.
The ability to control nanoscale etching and reknitting offers novel approaches for graphene material design.
This research opens avenues for advanced graphene tailoring techniques.