Segregation of sublattice domains in nitrogen-doped graphene

Atomic-level details of dopant distributions can significantly influence the material properties. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we investigate the distribution of substitutional dopants in nitrogen-doped graphene with regard to sublattice occupancy within the honeycomb structure. Samples prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using pyridine on copper exhibit well-segregated domains of nitrogen dopants in the same sublattice, extending beyond 100 nm. On the other hand, samples prepared by postsynthesis doping of pristine graphene exhibit a random distribution between sublattices. On the basis of theoretical calculations, we attribute the formation of sublattice domains to the preferential attachment of nitrogen to the edge sites of graphene during the CVD growth process. The breaking of sublattice symmetry in doped graphene can have important implications in its electronic applications, such as the opening of a tunable band gap in the material.