One-dimensional ribbon-like structures in graphene on Ni(100)
Lateral confinement is one of the prominent strategies for tailoring the electronic properties of materials. Here, we grow 1D ribbon-like structures embedded in a continuous single-layer graphene and demonstrate they have electronic properties similar to those found in graphene nano ribbons.
A. Sala et al., Adv. Funct. Mater 13, 2105844 (2021); doi: 10.1002/adfm.202105844
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The graphene/Ni(100) system stems for the formation of 1D structures that are naturally aligned with the substrate on the mesoscopic scale. Our SPELEEM enables access to the electronic band dispersion of such graphene pseudo-ribbons, by probing the angular distribution of electrons photoemitted from a few-micrometers wide region. Band features reminiscent of graphene Dirac cones are observed at the K points, with a pronounced elongation in the horizontal axis. Such distortion has been rationalized as an effect of 1D lateral confinement on the Dirac cones. Analysis shows direct evidence that the electronic states of graphene pseudo ribbons suffer a depletion compatible with the opening of a bandgap, i.e. with the induction of a semiconducting state by lateral confinement. This system is a topical example in which 1D electron states are present within a continuous 2D film and looks promising in the exploitation of 1D characteristics. |
Graphene pseudo ribbons may be expected to behave like nanowires with enhanced charge/spin transport properties and can be used to create model devices at the mesoscopic scale, as well as a template to build aligned 1D heterostructures via e.g. deposition of metals (nanowires) or molecules (1D frameworks). Retrieve article
Quantum Confinement in Aligned Zigzag “Pseudo-Ribbons” Embedded in Graphene on Ni(100) |
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