Triggering One-Dimensional Phase Transition with Defects at the Graphene Zigzag Edge

Qingming Deng, Jiong Zhao

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

One well-known argument about a one-dimensional (1D) system is that 1D phase transition at finite temperature cannot exist even though this concept depends on conditions such as range of interaction, external fields, and periodicity. Therefore, 1D systems usually have random fluctuations with intrinsic domain walls arising that naturally bring disorder during transition. Herein, we introduce a real 1D system in which artificially created defects can induce a well-defined 1D phase transition. The dynamics of structural reconstructions at graphene zigzag edges are examined by in situ aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. Combined with an in-depth analysis by ab initio simulations and quantum chemical molecular dynamics, the complete defect induced 1D phase transition dynamics at graphene zigzag edge is clearly demonstrated and understood on the atomic scale. Further, following this phase transition scheme, graphene nanoribbons (GNR) with different edge symmetries can be fabricated and, according to our electronic structure and quantum transport calculations, a metal-insulator-semiconductor transition for ultrathin GNRs is proposed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1244-1249
Number of pages6
JournalNano Letters
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Feb 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • defect
  • edge
  • Graphene
  • one-dimensional
  • phase transition
  • transport

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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