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Tunable band gap in gold intercalated graphene
Indra Sapkota1, Michael A Roundtree, John H Hall
1Department of Physics, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia 30314, USA.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|November 1, 2012
Summary
Gold-intercalated epitaxial graphene exhibits tunable electronic properties. Applying an electric field can modify its band gap, paving the way for novel electronic device applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Epitaxial graphene offers unique electronic properties.
- Gold intercalation creates quasi free-standing graphene with Dirac fermion behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the electronic characteristics of gold-intercalated epitaxial graphene under an electric field.
- Analyze the band structure evolution with applied bias.
Main Methods:
- Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations.
- Inclusion of interlayer van der Waals interactions.
Main Results:
- Gold-intercalated epitaxial graphene exhibits a tuneable band gap.
- The band gap is controllable via an applied perpendicular electric field.
Conclusions:
- Gold-intercalated epitaxial graphene shows promise for electronic device applications.
- Electric field control over the band gap is a key feature.
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