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Updated: Jun 27, 2025
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Preparation and Characterization of C60/Graphene Hybrid Nanostructures
Published on: May 15, 2018
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Linear indium atom chains at graphene edges
Kenan Elibol1,2, Toma Susi1, Clemens Mangler1
1University of Vienna, Faculty of Physics, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
NPJ 2D Materials and Applications
|April 26, 2024
Summary
Researchers created indium atom chains on graphene nanoribbon edges. This controlled decoration influences the nanoribbons
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) offer tunable electronic properties.
- Edge functionalization is key to modifying GNR characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation and properties of indium (In) atom chains on GNR edges.
- To explore how In decoration impacts GNR electronic behavior.
Main Methods:
- Graphene nanoribbons synthesized via laser-induced crystallization of hydrocarbon contamination on graphene.
- Indium deposition using physical vapor deposition.
- High-resolution characterization via aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).
- Theoretical analysis using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Main Results:
- Indium atoms preferentially decorate the edges of graphene nanoribbons.
- Electron beam irradiation during STEM imaging promotes In atom migration and chain formation.
- DFT calculations show In-terminated zigzag GNRs remain metallic, while armchair GNRs become metallic.
Conclusions:
- Controlled formation of linear metal atom chains on GNR edges is achievable.
- Indium decoration significantly alters the electronic properties of GNRs, inducing metallicity in armchair structures.
- This work provides a pathway for designing novel electronic properties in low-dimensional carbon materials.
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