Physics and chemistry of atomically smooth graphene edges. A.M. ZIATDINOV (Institute of Chemistry, FEB RAS, Vladivostok)

Abstract

Physics and chemistry of atomically smooth graphene edges. A.M. ZIATDINOV (Institute of Chemistry, FEB
RAS, Vladivostok). E-mail: ziatdinov@ich.dvo.ru

Real graphene has a finite lateral dimensions, therefore its properties depend on the shape and the chemical state
of the edges. Near zigzag edges of graphene the specific π-electronic band stabilizes with the sharp maximum of the density of states on the Fermi level coinciding in energy with the Dirac point (so-called topological zero mode). The
electrons of mentioned band possess special quantum-mechanical properties being potentially capable of initiating
non-trivial physical phenomena (magnetic ordering, superconductivity, high-temperature fractional quantized
conductivity, spin-dependent transport, etc.). Such a band does not exist on armchair edges of graphene; however,
graphene nanoribbons with armchair edges are semiconductors whose energy gap varies inversely with their width. The chemical functionalization of graphene edges can radically change its properties. In particular, with a certain chemical modification of the armchair edges of graphene, an edge π-electron band with non-trivial quantum properties can also be stabilized near them. This article provides a brief overview of our own and literature data on the physics and chemistry of graphene edges, including methods of giving them atomically smooth forms and chemical functionalization, as well as methods for characterizing the edges. It is concluded that graphene derivatives with atomically smooth and chemically functionalized edges are promising materials for new technique and technologies.