Tuning the Electronic Structure of Graphene by an Organic Molecule

Effects of Mono-Vacancies and Co-Vacancies of Nitrogen and Boron on the Energetics and Electronic Properties of Heterobilayer h-BN/graphene

A study is carried out which investigates the effects of the mono-vacancies of boron (VB) and nitrogen (VN) and the co-vacancies of nitrogen (N), and boron (B) on the energetics and the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of an h-BN/graphene heterobilayer using first-principles calculations within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). The heterobilayer is modelled using the periodic slab scheme. In the present case, a 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer is coupled to a 4 × 4-graphene monolayer, with a mismatch of 1.40%. In this coupling, the surface of interest is the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer; the 4 × 4-graphene only represents the substrate that supports the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer. From the calculations of the energy of formation of the 4 × 4-(h-BN)/4 × 4-graphene heterobilayer, with and without defects, it is established that, in both cases, the heterobilayers are energetically stable, from which it is inferred that these heterobilayers can be grown in the experiment. The formation of a mono-vacancy of boron (1 V_B), a mono-vacancy of nitrogen (1 V_N), and co-vacancies of boron and nitrogen (V_BN) induce, on the structural level: (a) for 1 V_B, a contraction n of the B-N bond lengths of ~2.46% and a slight change in the interfacial distance D (~0.096%) with respect to the heterobilayer free of defects (FD) are observed; (b) for 1 V_N, a slight contraction of the B-N of bond lengths of ~0.67% and an approach between the h-BN monolayer and the graphene of ~3.83% with respect to the FD heterobilayer are observed; (c) for V_BN, it can be seen that the N-N and B-B bond lengths (in the 1 V_B and 1 V_N regions, respectively) undergo an increase of ~2.00% and a decrease of ~3.83%, respectively. The calculations of the Löwdin charge for the FD heterobilayer and for those with defects (1 V_B, 1 V_N, and V_BN) show that the inclusion of this type of defect induces significant changes in the Löwdin charge redistribution of the neighboring atoms of VB and VN, causing chemically active regions that could favor the interaction of the heterobilayer with external atoms and/or molecules. On the basis of an analysis of the densities of states and the band structures, it is established that the heterobilayer with 1 V_B and V_BN take on a half-metallic and magnetic behavior. Due to all of these properties, the FD heterobilayer and those with 1 V_B, 1 V_N, and V_BN are candidates for possible adsorbent materials and possible materials that could be used for different spintronic applications.

Analysis and Simulation of the Optical Properties of a Quantum Dot on a Graphene Nanoribbon System

In this work, we theoretically study the optical properties of a graphene nanoribbon with a quantum dot (QD) on it. The system consists of a graphene nanoribbon with dimensions of 400 × 3100 (nm2) and a quantum dot with a nanoscale radius. The quantum dot is symmetrically located at the center of the graphene nanoribbon to simplify the mathematical model. To calculate the optical properties (susceptibility) of the system, a broadband electromagnetic wave (0.5–2.5 μm) is applied to the structure to model dipole-dipole interaction. Considering the input field and calculating the total induced polarization, the optical susceptibility of the system is calculated. The applied electromagnetic field excites the surface plasmon on the graphene nanoribbon and the excitons of QDs. The induced dipoles in the graphene nanoribbon and the QD will interact with each other. We show that the parameters of both materials strongly influence dipole-dipole interaction. In particular, the effect of QDs (location on graphene and radius) on the optical properties of the considered system was studied. The obtained results can be used to introduce periodic optical structures in nanoscale by inserting QDs in a periodic array on graphene nanoribbon. Additionally, applications such as reflectors, couplers, and wavelength filters can be designed. Considering the presented theoretical framework, we can describe all the optoelectronic and optomechanical applications of complex nanoscale graphene and QD systems.

Electronic structure of polypyrrole composited with a low percentage of graphene nanofiller

The low concentration of graphene (<5%) in graphene/polypyrrole composites makes it quite challenging to devise a theoretical model for these composites. Thus, herein, we present theoretical calculations to determine the geometric electronic and optical properties of graphene/polypyrrole composites. Ribbon and sheet models of various sizes were considered for graphene. Oligopyrrole of various lengths was deposited in the graphene model in different orientations including π-stacking, tilted and vertical orientations. Theoretical calculations at the M062X/def2-SVP level revealed that π-stacking is the preferred orientation. To model a lower concentration of graphene, sandwich complexes of oligopyrrole were considered with graphene nanoribbons. Interaction energies revealed that sandwich complexes possessed superior additivity. The NCI analysis established that weak van der Waals interactions existed in all composites. Moreover, the HOMO-LUMO gap decreases as the concentration of graphene increases. Thus, the computed optical band gap of the C₅₈H₂₄-based composite is about 1.7 eV, which is consistent with the reported experimental value (2.1-1.81 eV). The computed band gap further decreases to ∼1.6 eV when the proportion of graphene increases to C₆₄H₂₆. Thus, our results for the graphene nanoribbon-based polypyrrole composites are in good agreement with experimental results. The UV/visible spectra revealed that as the concentration of graphene increases, a red shift is observed for all the configurations, which is consistent with experimental results.

Molecular doping of blue phosphorene: a first-principles investigation

Using first-principles calculations, we show that p-doped blue phosphorene can be obtained by molecular doping with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F₄-TCNQ) and 1,3,4,5,7,8-hexafluorotetracyanonaphthoquinodimethane (F₆-TNAP), whereas n-doped blue phosphorene can be realized by doping with tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and cyclooctadecanonaene (CCO). Moreover, the doping gap can be effectively modulated in each case by applying an external perpendicular electric field. The optical absorption of blue phosphorene can be considerably enhanced in a broad spectral range through the adsorption of CCO, F₄-TCNQ, and F₆-TNAP molecules, suggesting potential of the doped materials in the field of renewable energy.

Chemical Sensors Generated on Wafer-Scale Epitaxial Graphene for Application to Front-Line Drug Detection

Generation of large areas of graphene possessing high quality and uniformity will be a critical factor if graphene-based devices/sensors are to be commercialized. In this work, epitaxial graphene on a 2" SiC wafer was used to fabricate sensors for the detection of illicit drugs (amphetamine or cocaine). The main target application is on-site forensic detection where there is a high demand for reliable and cost-efficient tools. The sensors were designed and processed with specially configured metal electrodes on the graphene surface by utilizing a series of anchors where the metal contacts are directly connected on the SiC substrate. This has been shown to improve adhesion of the electrodes and decrease the contact resistance. A microfluidic system was constructed to pump solutions over the defined graphene surface that could then act as a sensor area and react with the target drugs. Several prototypic systems were tested where non-covalent interactions were used to localize the sensing components (antibodies) within the measurement cell. The serendipitous discovery of a wavelength-dependent photoactivity for amphetamine and a range of its chemical analogs, however, limited the general application of these prototypic systems. The experimental results reveal that the drug molecules interact with the graphene in a molecule dependent manner based upon a balance of π -stacking interaction of the phenyl ring with graphene (p-doping) and the donation of the amine nitrogens lone pair electrons into the π - π *-system of graphene (n-doping).

Effects of Different TiO2 Particle Sizes on the Microstructure and Optical Limiting Properties of TiO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

TiO₂/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites with two different TiO₂ particle sizes were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method using two different source materials of Ti: tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) and commercial TiO₂ powder (P25). For respective series with the same source materials, we investigated additions that optimized the nonlinear optical properties (NLO) and optical limiting (OL) performances, and we explored the relationships between structural diversity and performance. Several characterization techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) were conducted to confirm the microstructures and chemical states of as-prepared materials. This indicated the existence of the Ti–O–C bond between rGO sheets and TiO₂ particles and the reduction from precursor graphene oxide (GO) to rGO. The results of UV-Vis spectra revealed that the TiO₂/rGO nanocomposites showed smaller band gaps than bare TiO₂. A nanosecond open-aperture Z-scan technique at 1064 nm was applied to investigate NLO and OL properties. TiO₂/rGO nanocomposites exhibited enhanced NLO and OL performances, arising from synergistic effects, compared to individual components. The TBT series samples performed better than the P25 series, presumably relevant to dimensional effects.

Rational design and observation of the tight interface between graphene and ligand protected nanocrystals

Heterostructures constructed of graphene and colloidal nanocrystals provide a unique way to exploit the coupled physical properties of the two functional building blocks. Studying the interface structure between the two constituent materials is important to understand the formation mechanism and the resulting physical and chemical properties. Along with ab initio calculations, we elucidate that the bending rigidity and the strong van der Waals interaction of graphene to the metal surface guide the formation of a tight and conformal interface. Using theoretical foundations, we construct colloidal nanocrystal-graphene heterostructures with controlled interfacial structures and directly investigate the cross-sectional structures of them at high resolution by using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. The experimental method and observations we present here will link the empirical methods for the formation of nanocrystal-graphene heterostructures to the mechanistic understanding of their properties.

SERS-Active 3D Interconnected Nanocarbon Web toward Nonplasmonic in Vitro Sensing of HeLa Cells and Fibroblasts

A noninvasive intracellular component analysis technique is important in cancer treatment and the initial identification of cancer. Carbon nanomaterials/nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, have little to no surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) ability. Because of these structures' low Raman responses, they are conjugated with gold or silver to attain the SERS-active ability to detect normal fibroblasts and HeLa cancer cells. To the best of our knowledge, the effectiveness of the individual use of carbon nanomaterials as a nonplasmonic SERS-active platform for in vitro cancer/normal cell detection has not been investigated to date. Here, for the first time, we introduce a unique nonplasmonic SERS-based biosensing platform that uses a biocompatible self-assembled three-dimensional interconnected nanocarbon web (INW) for in vitro detection and differentiation of HeLa cells and fibroblasts. The sub-10-nm morphology of the INW facilitates the endocytic uptake of INW clusters to the cells, and its SERS functionality introduces live cell Raman sensing. The INW platform has achieved an enhancement factor (EF) of 3.66 × 10⁴ and 9.10 × 10³ with crystal violet and Rhodamine 6G dyes, respectively, significant in comparison to the EF of graphene surfaces (2-17). The results of the time-based Raman spectroscopy of live HeLa cells and fibroblasts revealed chemical fingerprints of intracellular components, such as DNA/RNA, proteins, and lipids. The components' spectroscopic differences facilitate and elucidate the specification of each cell. The highest Raman enhancement achieved was fourfold for fibroblasts (protein) and sixfold for HeLa cells (DNA). Furthermore, the SERS spectra along with scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy analysis of the immobilized cells after 24 and 48 h shed light on the health of fibroblasts and HeLa cells. A photon energy-induced ionization achieved with a femtosecond laser fabricated a biocompatible INW platform with the designated unique attributes. This simple, label-free, in vitro diagnosis approach for HeLa cells and fibroblasts has strong potential for cancer research.

Exceptional Optical Absorption of Buckled Arsenene Covering a Broad Spectral Range by Molecular Doping

Using density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that the electronic and optical properties of a buckled arsenene monolayer can be tuned by molecular doping. Effective p-type doping of arsenene can be realized by adsorption of tetracyanoethylene and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) molecules, while n-doped arsenene can be obtained by adsorption of tetrathiafulvalene molecules. Moreover, owing to the charge redistribution, a dipole moment is formed between each organic molecule and arsenene, and this dipole moment can significantly tune the work function of arsenene to values within a wide range of 3.99-5.57 eV. Adsorption of TCNQ molecules on pristine arsenene can significantly improve the latter's optical absorption in a broad (visible to near-infrared) spectral range. According to the AM 1.5 solar spectrum, two-fold enhancement is attained in the efficiency of solar-energy utilization, which can lead to great opportunities for the use of TCNQ-arsenene in renewable energy. Our work clearly demonstrates the key role of molecular doping in the application of arsenene in electronic and optoelectronic components, renewable energy, and laser protection.

Combined molecular and periodic DFT analysis of the adsorption of co macrocycles on graphene

The molecular doping of graphene with π-stacked conjugated molecules has been widely studied during the last 10 years, both experimentally or using first-principle calculations, mainly with strongly acceptor or donor molecules. Macrocyclic metal complexes have been far less studied and their behavior on graphene is less clear-cut. The present density functional theory study of cobalt porphyrin and phthalocyanine adsorbed on monolayer or bilayer graphene allows to compare the outcomes of two models, either a finite-sized flake of graphene or an infinite 2D material using periodic calculations. The electronic structures yielded by both models are compared, with a focus on the density of states around the Fermi level. Apart from the crucial choice of calculation conditions, this investigation also shows that unlike strongly donating or accepting organic dopants, these macrocycles do not induce a significant doping of the graphene sheet and that a finite size model of graphene flake may be confidently used for most modeling purposes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Spotting the differences in two-dimensional materials – the Raman scattering perspective

This review discusses the Raman spectroscopic characterization of 2D materials with a focus on the “differences” from primitive 2D materials.

Study of water adsorption on graphene edges

Water adsorption on graphene edges was studied by field emission (FE) experiments and first principles simulation. By analyzing the FE current change with temperature, it was concluded that the intrinsic FE of a graphene edge is consistent with Fowler–Nordheim (FN) theory. The noise of IV and non-linearity of FN curves at room-temperature can be interpreted by the adsorption effects. Water is speculated as the most responsible gas specie. We have calculated the work function of graphene by VASP. The results show that water adsorption will lower the work function of the graphene edge, while increasing the work function of the graphene surface.

Water adsorption on graphene edges was studied by field emission (FE) experiments and first principles simulation.

TCNE-modified graphene as an adsorbent for N2O molecule: a DFT study

Adsorption behavior of nitrous oxide (N₂O) on pristine graphene (PG) and tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) modified PG surfaces is investigated using density functional theory. A number of initial adsorbate geometries are considered on both surfaces and the most stable ones are chosen upon calculation of the adsorption energies (E_ads). N₂O is found to adsorb in a weakly exoergic process (E_ads ∼ -3.18 kJ mol^-1) at the equilibrium distance of 3.52 Å on the PG surface. N₂O adsorption can be greatly enhanced with the presence of a TCNE molecule (E_ads = -87.00 kJ mol^-1). Mulliken charge analysis confirms that adsorption of N₂O is not accompanied by distinct charge transfer from the surfaces to the molecule (˂ 0.001 │e│ for each case). Moreover, on the basis of calculated changes in the HOMO/LUMO energy gap, it is found that electronic properties of PG and TCNE modified PG are not sensitive toward adsorption of N₂O, indicating that both surfaces are not good enough to introduce as an N₂O detector. However, the considerable amount of E_ads in TCNE modified PG can be a guide to the design of graphene-based adsorbents for N₂O capture.

Solution processible MoOx-incorporated graphene anode for efficient polymer light-emitting diodes

Graphene has attracted great attention owing to its superb properties as an anode of organic or polymer light-emitting diodes (OLEDs or PLEDs). However, there are still barriers for graphene to replace existing indium tin oxide (ITO) due to relatively high sheet resistance and work function mismatch. In this study, PLEDs using molybdenum oxide (MoO_x) nanoparticle-doped graphene are demonstrated on a plastic substrate to have a low sheet resistance and high work function. Also, this work shows how the doping amount influences the electronic properties of the graphene anode and the PLED performance. A facile and scalable spin coating process was used for doping graphene with MoO_x. After doping, the sheet resistance and the optical transmittance of five-layer graphene were ∼180 Ω sq^-1 and ∼88%, respectively. Moreover, the surface roughness of MoO_x-doped graphene becomes smoother than that of pristine graphene. Furthermore, a nonlinear relationship was observed between the MoO_x doping level and device performance. Therefore, a modified stacking structure of graphene electrode is presented to further enhance device performance. The maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) and power efficiency of the PLED using the MoO_x-doped graphene anode were 4.7% and 13.3 lm W^-1, respectively. The MoO_x-doped graphene anode showed enhanced device performance (261% for maximum EQE, 255% for maximum power efficiency) compared with the pristine graphene.

Contrasting diffusion behaviors of O and F atoms on graphene and within bilayer graphene

Our DFT calculations reveal the origin of the contrasting diffusion behaviors of O and F atoms within bilayer graphene.

Amino acid-modified graphene oxide magnetic nanocomposite for the magnetic separation of proteins

A novel amino acid-modified graphene oxide magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized and successfully applied to the magnetic separation of proteins.

Symmetry-Driven Band Gap Engineering in Hydrogen Functionalized Graphene

Band gap engineering in hydrogen functionalized graphene is demonstrated by changing the symmetry of the functionalization structures. Small differences in hydrogen adsorbate binding energies on graphene on Ir(111) allow tailoring of highly periodic functionalization structures favoring one distinct region of the moiré supercell. Scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that a highly periodic hydrogen functionalized graphene sheet can thus be prepared by controlling the sample temperature (T_s) during hydrogen functionalization. At deposition temperatures of T_s = 645 K and above, hydrogen adsorbs exclusively on the HCP regions of the graphene/Ir(111) moiré structure. This finding is rationalized in terms of a slight preference for hydrogen clusters in the HCP regions over the FCC regions, as found by density functional theory calculations. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements demonstrate that the preferential functionalization of just one region of the moiré supercell results in a band gap opening with very limited associated band broadening. Thus, hydrogenation at elevated sample temperatures provides a pathway to efficient band gap engineering in graphene via the selective functionalization of specific regions of the moiré structure.

Surface Charge Transfer Doping of Low-Dimensional Nanostructures toward High-Performance Nanodevices

Device applications of low-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures rely on the ability to rationally tune their electronic properties. However, the conventional doping method by introducing impurities into the nanostructures suffers from the low efficiency, poor reliability, and damage to the host lattices. Alternatively, surface charge transfer doping (SCTD) is emerging as a simple yet efficient technique to achieve reliable doping in a nondestructive manner, which can modulate the carrier concentration by injecting or extracting the carrier charges between the surface dopant and semiconductor due to the work-function difference. SCTD is particularly useful for low-dimensional nanostructures that possess high surface area and single-crystalline structure. The high reproducibility, as well as the high spatial selectivity, makes SCTD a promising technique to construct high-performance nanodevices based on low-dimensional nanostructures. Here, recent advances of SCTD are summarized systematically and critically, focusing on its potential applications in one- and two-dimensional nanostructures. Mechanisms as well as characterization techniques for the surface charge transfer are analyzed. We also highlight the progress in the construction of novel nanoelectronic and nano-optoelectronic devices via SCTD. Finally, the challenges and future research opportunities of the SCTD method are prospected.

Functional Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Nanoengineered Networks for Organic- and Perovskite-Solar-Cell Applications

Carbon nanotubes have a variety of remarkable electronic and mechanical properties that, in principle, lend them to promising optoelectronic applications. However, the field has been plagued by heterogeneity in the distributions of synthesized tubes and uncontrolled bundling, both of which have prevented nanotubes from reaching their full potential. Here, a variety of recently demonstrated solution-processing avenues is presented, which may combat these challenges through manipulation of nanoscale structures. Recent advances in polymer-wrapping of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are shown, along with how the resulting nanostructures can selectively disperse tubes while also exploiting the favorable properties of the polymer, such as light-harvesting ability. New methods to controllably form nanoengineered SWNT networks with controlled nanotube placement are discussed. These nanoengineered networks decrease bundling, lower the percolation threshold, and enable a strong enhancement in charge conductivity compared to random networks, making them potentially attractive for optoelectronic applications. Finally, SWNT applications, to date, in organic and perovskite photovoltaics are reviewed, and insights as to how the aforementioned recent advancements can lead to improved device performance provided.

1,3,5-Benzenetribenzoic Acid on Cu(111) and Graphene/Cu(111): A Comparative STM Study

The self-assembly of 1,3,5-benzenetribenzoic acid (BTB) molecules on both Cu(111) and epitaxial graphene grown on Cu(111) were studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. On Cu(111), the BTB molecules were found to mainly arrange in close-packed structures through H-bonding between the (partially) deprotonated carboxylic acid groups. In addition, porous structures formed by intact BTB molecules-and also based on H-bonding-were observed. On graphene grown on Cu(111) the BTB molecules mainly form porous structures accompanied by small patches of disordered close-packed structures. Upon annealing, BTB adsorbed on Cu(111) is fully deprotonated and arranges in the close-packed structure while in contrast on graphene/Cu(111) the porous network is exclusively formed. This shows that the molecular self-assembly behavior is highly dependent on the first substrate layer: one graphene layer is sufficient to considerably alter the interplay of molecule substrate and intermolecular interactions in favor of the latter interactions.

Thin film growth of aromatic rod-like molecules on graphene

Research on graphene (Gr) is a vastly expanding field due to its potential for technological applications. Its close structural and chemical relationship to conjugated organic molecules makes it a superior candidate as a transparent electrode material in organic electronics and optoelectronics. The growth of organic thin films-intensively investigated in the past few decades-has demonstrated the complexity in growth and nucleation processes arising from the anisotropy and spatial extension of the molecular building blocks. Choosing the small, conjugated rod-like molecules para-hexaphenyl and pentacene as model representatives for small organic molecules, we review recent findings in organic thin film growth on a variety of Gr substrates. Special attention is paid to the differences in the resulting growth arising from the various methods of Gr fabrication and support that affect both the Gr-molecule interfacing and the involved molecular diffusion processes.

A paper-supported graphene-ionic liquid array for e-nose application

A flexible graphene sensor array has been fabricated by in situ reduction of a graphene oxide (GO) array patterned on a paper chip. To achieve cross-reactive sensing and gas discrimination ability, the surface of each reduced GO (rGO) spot was modified with different types of ionic liquids (ILs), which could significantly alter the semiconductor properties and consequently the gas sensing behaviour of the paper-supported rGO sensor.

Variation in the c-axis conductivity of multi-layer graphene due to H2 exposure

The variation of the c-axis conductivity of a multilayer graphene (MLG) as a function of H2 pressure from vacuum to 20 bar has been investigated. MLG was connected to the electrodes vertically using a wet transfer process. After exposure to H2 gas pressure up to 20 bar, the chemisorption of dissociated atomic hydrogen on MLG affects its electrical and structural properties. The formation of C-H bonds causes a decoupling of graphene layers, and then interferes with charge transfer through the out of plane. As a result, the c-axis conductivity decreases. Furthermore, the electron doping effect and the decoupling of the layers were confirmed using Raman spectroscopy. Hydrogenated carbons induce a defect structure of MLG which results in the expansion of layers. We observed a 43.54% increase in the thickness of the MLG after H2 exposure using atomic force microscopy.

Charge transfer induced activity of graphene for oxygen reduction

Tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), with its strong electron-accepting ability, was used to dope graphene as a metal-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The charge transfer process was observed from graphene to TCNE by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman characterizations. Our density functional theory calculations found that the charge transfer behavior led to an enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity for the ORR.

Modelling of graphene functionalization

This perspective describes the available theoretical methods and models for simulating graphene functionalization based on quantum and classical mechanics.

Interaction of Rhodamine 6G molecules with graphene: a combined computational–experimental study

R6G molecules can effectively tune the electronic structures of graphene.

In situ study of the electronic structure of atomic layer deposited oxide ultrathin films upon oxygen adsorption using ambient pressure XPS

APXPS was used to investigate the effect of oxygen adsorption on the band bending and electron affinity of ALD Al₂O₃, ZnO and TiO₂ ultrathin films.

Dioxin sensing properties of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride based van der Waals solids: a first-principles study

The changes in the electronic properties of single and bilayers of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride two dimensional sheets have been investigated upon interaction with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin by employing the DFT calculations.

Electronic and magnetic properties regulation of finite to infinite half sandwich organo-transition-metal-complexes functionalized graphene

Total band gaps (Δt) and band gaps of free “graphene”, ignoring impurity bands of TM_nOLs (Δg).

Flavonol–carbon nanostructure hybrid systems: a DFT study on the interaction mechanism and UV/Vis features

The properties of flavonol–carbon nanosystem hybrid materials are analyzed using computational chemistry.

Selective Area Band Engineering of Graphene using Cobalt-Mediated Oxidation

This study reports a scalable and economical method to open a band gap in single layer graphene by deposition of cobalt metal on its surface using physical vapor deposition in high vacuum. At low cobalt thickness, clusters form at impurity sites on the graphene without etching or damaging the graphene. When exposed to oxygen at room temperature, oxygen functional groups form in proportion to the cobalt thickness that modify the graphene band structure. Cobalt/Graphene resulting from this treatment can support a band gap of 0.30 eV, while remaining largely undamaged to preserve its structural and electrical properties. A mechanism of cobalt-mediated band opening is proposed as a two-step process starting with charge transfer from metal to graphene, followed by formation of oxides where cobalt has been deposited. Contributions from the formation of both CoO and oxygen functional groups on graphene affect the electronic structure to open a band gap. This study demonstrates that cobalt-mediated oxidation is a viable method to introduce a band gap into graphene at room temperature that could be applicable in electronics applications.

Optical absorption of warped nanographenes tuned by five- and seven-membered carbon rings

The introduction of multiple carbon rings is one of the common ways for graphene modification. Starting from warped C80H30 nanographene, which consists of a number of six- and seven-membered carbon rings (C6 and C7) centering at a five-membered carbon ring (C5), we explored the structure and property variations of its derivatives in which their C7 rings were gradually replaced with C6 rings. With reducing number of C7 rings, their curved boundary with the C6 rings becomes flat until a bowl-like structure is formed when all the C7 rings disappear. The optical absorption spectra vary accordingly. Both the α-bands and the maximum absorption bands in the visible region are related to the number and location of the C7 rings. Further analysis of the excited states of the C80H30 derivatives, as well as on the designed model systems, revealed that the C7 rings affect the electron excitations in two ways. In addition to their participation in electronic transitions, they control the composition of molecular orbitals that are involved in the excitations. The highest occupied molecular orbitals are mainly contributed by atoms on the C6 and C7 rings, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals by atoms on the C5 and C6 rings. Our study sheds some light on how the multiple carbon rings affect the optical absorption of nanographenes and provides information for the preparation of nanographenes with tunable structural and optical properties.

2D Hybrid Nanostructured Dirac Materials for Broadband Transparent Electrodes

Broadband transparent electrodes based on 2D hybrid nanostructured Dirac materials between Bi2 Se3 and graphene are synthesized using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Bi2 Se3 nanoplates are preferentially grown along graphene grain boundaries as "smart" conductive patches to bridge the graphene boundary. These hybrid films increase by one- to threefold in conductivity while remaining highly transparent over broadband wavelength. They also display outstanding chemical stability and mechanical flexibility.

Computational chemistry for graphene-based energy applications: progress and challenges

Research in graphene-based energy materials is a rapidly growing area. Many graphene-based energy applications involve interfacial processes. To enable advances in the design of these energy materials, such that their operation, economy, efficiency and durability is at least comparable with fossil-fuel based alternatives, connections between the molecular-scale structure and function of these interfaces are needed. While it is experimentally challenging to resolve this interfacial structure, molecular simulation and computational chemistry can help bridge these gaps. In this Review, we summarise recent progress in the application of computational chemistry to graphene-based materials for fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaics and supercapacitors. We also outline both the bright prospects and emerging challenges these techniques face for application to graphene-based energy materials in future.

Density functional studies of small silicon clusters adsorbed on graphene

The structural and electronic properties of small Si_n clusters (n = 1–6, 10) adsorbed on graphene are studied by use of density functional theory within periodic boundary conditions.

Physisorption of benzene derivatives on graphene: critical roles of steric and stereoelectronic effects of the substituent

The adsorption of benzene derivatives on the graphene surface is strongly dependent upon the substituent because of the critical roles of their steric and stereoelectronic effects.

Doped graphene: synthesis, properties and bioanalysis

We discuss early advances in the preparation of doped graphene and its unique properties as well as its applications in bioanalysis.

Controlling the spatial arrangement of organic magnetic anions adsorbed on epitaxial graphene on Ru(0001)

Achieving control over the self-organization of functional molecules on graphene is critical for the development of graphene technology in organic electronic and spintronic. Here, by using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), we show that the electron acceptor molecule 7,7',8,8'-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQ) and its fluorinated derivative 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7',8,8'-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (F4-TCNQ), co-deposited on the surface of epitaxial graphene on Ru(0001), transform spontaneously into their corresponding magnetic anions and self-organize in two remarkably different structures. TCNQ forms densely packed linear magnetic arrays, while F4-TCNQ molecules remain as isolated non interacting magnets. With the help of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we trace back the origin of this behavior in the competition between the intermolecular repulsion experienced by the individual charged anions, which tends to separate the molecules, and the delocalization of the electrons transferred from the surface to the molecules, which promotes the formation of molecular oligomers. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to control the spatial arrangement of organic magnetic anions co-adsorbed on a surface by means of chemical substitution, paving the way for the design of two-dimensional fully organic magnetic structures on graphene and on other surfaces.