Extended Klein edges in graphene

Microscopic Mechanism for Further NO Heterogeneous Reduction by Potassium-Doped Biochar: A DFT Study

Biomass reburning is an efficient and low-cost way to control nitric oxide (NO), and the abundant potassium (K) element in biomass affects the heterogeneous reaction between NO and biochar. Due to the incomplete simulation of the NO heterogeneous reduction reaction pathway at the molecular level and the unclear catalytic effect of K element in biochar, further research is needed on the possible next reaction and the influencing mechanism of the element. After the products of the existing reaction pathways are referenced, two reasonably simplified biochar structural models are selected as the basic reactants to study the microscopic mechanism for further NO heterogeneous reduction on the biochar surface before and after doping with the K atom based on density functional theory. In studying the two further NO heterogeneous reduction reaction pathways, we find that the carbon monoxide (CO) molecule fragment protrudes from the surface of biochar models with the desorption of N2 at the TS4 transition state, and the two edge types of biochar product models obtained by simulation calculation are Klein edge and ac56 edge observed in the experiment. In studying the catalytic effect of potassium in biochar, we find that the presence of K increases the heat release of adsorption of NO molecules, reduces the energy barrier of the rate-determining step in the nitrogen (N2) generation and desorption process (by 50.88 and 69.97%), and hinders the CO molecule from desorbing from the biochar model surface. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses also confirm its influence. The study proves that the heterogeneous reduction reaction of four NO molecules on the surface of biochar completes the whole reaction process and provides a basic theoretical basis for the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) during biomass reburning.

Antiaromatic Molecules as Magnetic Couplers: A Computational Quest

In this study, we investigate a set of organic diradical structures in which two oxo-verdazyl radicals are selected as radical spin centers that are connected (coupled) via six coupler molecules (CM), resulting in various magnetic (ferromagnetic (FM) or antiferromagnetic (AFM)) characteristics, as reflected by their exchange coupling constants (J). We have designed 12 diradicals with 6-antiaromatic couplers coupled with bis-oxo-verdazyl diradicals with meta-meta (m-m) and para-meta (p-m) positional connectivities. The nature of the magnetic coupling (ferromagnetic, nonmagnetic, or antiferromagnetic) and the magnitude of the exchange constant J depend on the type of coupler, the connecting point between each radical center and CM, the degree of aromaticity of the coupler, and the length of the through-bond distance between radical centers. The computed magnetic exchange coupling constants J for these diradicals at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and MN12SX/6-311++G(d,p) levels of theory are large for many of these structures, indicating strong ferromagnetic coupling (with positive J values). In some cases, magnetic couplings are observed with J > 1000 cm-1 (B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)) and strong antiferromagnetic coupling (with negative J values) with J < -1000 cm-1 (B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)). Similarly, in some cases, magnetic couplings are observed with J > 289 cm-1 (MN12SX/6-311++G(d,p)) and strong antiferromagnetic coupling (with negative J values) with J < -568 cm-1 (MN12SX/6-311++G(d,p)). Furthermore, while numerous studies have reported that the degree of aromaticity of molecular couplers often favors strong ferromagnetic coupling, displaying the high-spin character of diradicals in their ground states, the couplers chosen in this study are characterized as antiaromatic or nonaromatic. The current investigation provides evidence that, remarkably, antiaromatic couplers are able to enhance stability by favoring electronic diradical structures with very strong ferromagnetic coupling when the length of the through-bond distance and connectivity pattern between radical centers are selected in such a way that the FM coupling is optimized. The findings in this study offer new strategies in the design of novel organic materials with interesting magnetic properties for practical applications.

The Atomic Drill Bit: Precision Controlled Atomic Fabrication of 2D Materials

The ability to deterministically fabricate nanoscale architectures with atomic precision is the central goal of nanotechnology, whereby highly localized changes in the atomic structure can be exploited to control device properties at their fundamental physical limit. Here, an automated, feedback-controlled atomic fabrication method is reported and the formation of 1D-2D heterostructures in MoS₂ is demonstrated through selective transformations along specific crystallographic orientations. The atomic-scale probe of an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is used, and the shape and symmetry of the scan pathway relative to the sample orientation are controlled. The focused and shaped electron beam is used to reliably create Mo₆ S₆ nanowire (MoS-NW) terminated metallic-semiconductor 1D-2D edge structures within a pristine MoS₂ monolayer with atomic precision. From these results, it is found that a triangular beam path aligned along the zig-zag sulfur terminated (ZZS) direction forms stable MoS-NW edge structures with the highest degree of fidelity without resulting in disordering of the surrounding MoS₂ monolayer. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab initio molecular dynamic simulations (AIMD) are used to calculate the energetic barriers for the most stable atomic edge structures and atomic transformation pathways. These discoveries provide an automated method to improve understanding of atomic-scale transformations while opening a pathway toward more precise atomic-scale engineering of materials.

First-Principles Microkinetic Modeling Unravelling the Performance of Edge-Decorated Nanocarbons for Hydrogen Production from Methane

The doping of graphitic and nanocarbon structures with nonmetal atoms allows for the tuning of surface electronic properties and the generation of new active sites, which can then be exploited for several catalytic applications. In this work, we investigate the direct conversion of methane into H₂ and C₂H_x over Klein-type zigzag graphene edges doped with nitrogen, boron, phosphorus and silicon. We combine Density Functional Theory (DFT) and microkinetic modeling to systematically investigate the reaction network and determine the most efficient edge decoration. Among the four edge-decorated nanocarbons (EDNCs) investigated, N-EDNC presented an outstanding performance for H₂ production at temperatures over 900 K, followed by P-EDNC, Si-EDNC and B-EDNC. The DFT and microkinetic analysis of the enhanced desorption rate of atomic hydrogen reveal the presence of an Eley-Rideal mechanism, in which P-EDNC showed higher activity for H₂ production in this scenario. Coke deposition resistance in the temperature range between 900 and 1500 K was evaluated, and we compared the selectivity toward H₂ and C₂H₄ production. The N-EDNC and P-EDNC active sites showed strong resistance to carbon poisoning, whereas Si-EDNC showed higher propensity to regenerate its active sites at temperatures over 1100 K. This work shows that decorated EDNCs are promising metal-free catalysts for methane conversion into H₂ and short-length alkenes.

Local Carbon Concentration Determines the Graphene Edge Structure

Although the structures and properties of various graphene edges have attracted enormous attention, the underlying mechanism that determines the appearance of various edges is still unknown. Here, a global search of graphene edge structures is performed by using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. In addition to locating the most stable edges of graphene, two databases of graphene armchair and zigzag edge structures are built. Graphene edge self-passivation plays an important role in the stability of the edges of graphene, and self-passivated edge structures that contain both octagons and triangles are found for the first time. The obvious "apical dominance" feature of armchair edges is found. The appearance of the experimentally observed ac(56), ac(677), and Klein edges can be explained by the local carbon concentration. Additionally, the graphene edge database is also significant for the study of the open end of nanotubes or fullerenes.

One-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride conducting channel

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is an insulating two-dimensional (2D) material with a large bandgap. Although known for its interfacing with other 2D materials and structural similarities to graphene, the potential use of hBN in 2D electronics is limited by its insulating nature. Here, we report atomically sharp twin boundaries at AA'/AB stacking boundaries in chemical vapor deposition-synthesized few-layer hBN. We find that the twin boundary is composed of a 6'6' configuration, showing conducting feature with a zero bandgap. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the atomically sharp twin boundaries is suggested by an analogy with stacking combinations of AA'/AB based on the observations of extended Klein edges at the layer boundaries of AB-stacked hBN. The atomically sharp AA'/AB stacking boundary is promising as an ultimate 1D electron channel embedded in insulating pristine hBN. This study will provide insights into the fabrication of single-hBN electronic devices.

Formation and Healing of Defects in Atomically Thin GaSe and InSe

Two dimensional III-VI metal monochalcogenide materials, such as GaSe and InSe, are attracting considerable attention due to their promising electronic and optoelectronic properties. Here, an investigation of point and extended atomic defects formed in mono-, bi-, and few-layer GaSe and InSe crystals is presented. Using state-of-the-art scanning transmission electron microscopy, it is observed that these materials can form both metal and selenium vacancies under the action of the electron beam. Selenium vacancies are observed to be healable: recovering the perfect lattice structure in the presence of selenium or enabling incorporation of dopant atoms in the presence of impurities. Under prolonged imaging, multiple point defects are observed to coalesce to form extended defect structures, with GaSe generally developing trigonal defects and InSe primarily forming line defects. These insights into atomic behavior could be harnessed to synthesize and tune the properties of 2D post-transition-metal monochalcogenide materials for optoelectronic applications.

Emerging chemical strategies for imprinting magnetism in graphene and related 2D materials for spintronic and biomedical applications

Graphene, a single two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms with an arrangement mimicking the honeycomb hexagonal architecture, has captured immense interest of the scientific community since its isolation in 2004. Besides its extraordinarily high electrical conductivity and surface area, graphene shows a long spin lifetime and limited hyperfine interactions, which favors its potential exploitation in spintronic and biomedical applications, provided it can be made magnetic. However, pristine graphene is diamagnetic in nature due to solely sp2 hybridization. Thus, various attempts have been proposed to imprint magnetic features into graphene. The present review focuses on a systematic classification and physicochemical description of approaches leading to equip graphene with magnetic properties. These include introduction of point and line defects into graphene lattices, spatial confinement and edge engineering, doping of graphene lattice with foreign atoms, and sp3 functionalization. Each magnetism-imprinting strategy is discussed in detail including identification of roles of various internal and external parameters in the induced magnetic regimes, with assessment of their robustness. Moreover, emergence of magnetism in graphene analogues and related 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides, metal halides, metal dinitrides, MXenes, hexagonal boron nitride, and other organic compounds is also reviewed. Since the magnetic features of graphene can be readily masked by the presence of magnetic residues from synthesis itself or sample handling, the issue of magnetic impurities and correct data interpretations is also addressed. Finally, current problems and challenges in magnetism of graphene and related 2D materials and future potential applications are also highlighted.

Atom-Dependent Edge-Enhanced Second-Harmonic Generation on MoS2 Monolayers

Edge morphology and lattice orientation of single-crystal molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) monolayers, a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD), possessing a triangular shape with different edges grown by chemical vapor deposition are characterized by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Multiphoton laser scanning microscopy is utilized to study one-dimensional atomic edges of MoS₂ monolayers with localized midgap electronic states, which result in greatly enhanced optical second-harmonic generation (SHG). Microscopic S-zigzag edge and S-Mo Klein edge (bare Mo atoms protruding from a S-zigzag edge) terminations and the edge-atom dependent resonance energies can therefore be deduced based on SHG images. Theoretical calculations based on density functional theory clearly explain the lower energy of the S-zigzag edge states compared to the corresponding S-Mo Klein edge states. Characterization of the atomic-scale variation of edge-enhanced SHG is a step forward in this full-optical and high-yield technique of atomic-layer TMDs.

Mo-Terminated Edge Reconstructions in Nanoporous Molybdenum Disulfide Film

The catalytic and magnetic properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) are significantly enhanced by the presence of edge sites. One way to obtain a high density of edge sites in a two-dimensional (2D) film is by introducing porosity. However, the large-scale bottom-up synthesis of a porous 2D MoS₂ film remains challenging and the correlation of growth conditions to the atomic structures of the edges is not well understood. Here, using molecular beam epitaxy, we prepare wafer-scale nanoporous MoS₂ films under conditions of high Mo flux and study their catalytic and magnetic properties. Atomic-resolution electron microscopy imaging of the pores reveals two new types of reconstructed Mo-terminated edges, namely, a distorted 1T (DT) edge and the Mo-Klein edge. Nanoporous MoS₂ films are magnetic up to 400 K, which is attributed to the presence of Mo-terminated edges with unpaired electrons, as confirmed by density functional theory calculation. The small hydrogen adsorption free energy at these Mo-terminated edges leads to excellent activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Probing the local interface properties at a graphene–MoSe2 in-plane lateral heterostructure: an ab initio study

We report a theoretical study of the local interface properties at a graphene–MoSe₂ (G–MoSe₂) in-plane lateral heterostructure.

Formation of Stone-Wales edge: Multistep reconstruction and growth mechanisms of zigzag nanographene

Although the existence of Stone-Wales (5-7) defect at graphene edge has been clarified experimentally, theoretical study on the formation mechanism is still imperfect. In particular, the regioselectivity of multistep reactions at edge (self-reconstruction and growth with foreign carbon feedstock) is essential to understand the kinetic behavior of reactive boundaries but investigations are still lacking. Herein, by using finite-sized models, multistep reconstructions and carbon dimer additions of a bared zigzag edge are introduced using density functional theory calculations. The zigzag to 5-7 transformation is proved as a site-selective process to generate alternating 5-7 pairs sequentially and the first step with largest barrier is suggested as the rate-determining step. Conversely, successive C₂ insertions on the active edge are calculated to elucidate the formation of 5-7 edge during graphene growth. A metastable intermediate with a triple sequentially fused pentagon fragment is proved as the key structure for 5-7 edge formation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Orientation dependent interlayer stacking structure in bilayer MoS2 domains

We have studied the atomic structure of small secondary domains that nucleate on monolayer MoS₂ grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), which form the basis of bilayer MoS₂. The small secondary bilayer domains have a faceted geometry with three-fold symmetry and adopt two distinct orientations with 60° rotation relative to an underlying monolayer MoS₂ single crystal sheet. The two distinct orientations are associated with the 2H and 3R stacking configuration for bilayer MoS₂. Atomic resolution images have been recorded using annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) that show the edge termination, lattice orientation and stacking sequence of the bilayer domains relative to the underlying monolayer MoS₂. These results provide important insights that bilayer MoS₂ growth from 60° rotated small nuclei on the surface of monolayer MoS₂ could lead to defective boundaries when merged to form larger continuous bilayer regions and that pure AA' or AB bilayer stacking may be challenging unless from a single seed.

Peptide interactions with zigzag edges in graphene

Recognition and manipulation of graphene edges enable the control of physical properties of graphene-based devices. Recently, the authors have identified a peptide that preferentially binds to graphene edges from a combinatorial peptide library. In this study, the authors examine the functional basis for the edge binding peptide using experimental and computational methods. The effect of amino acid substitution, sequence context, and solution pH value on the binding of the peptide to graphene has been investigated. The N-terminus glutamic acid residue plays a key role in recognizing and binding to graphene edges. The protonation, substitution, and positional context of the glutamic acid residue impact graphene edge-binding. Our findings provide insights into the binding mechanisms and the design of peptides for recognizing and functionalizing graphene edges.

Elongated Silicon-Carbon Bonds at Graphene Edges

We study the bond lengths of silicon (Si) atoms attached to both armchair and zigzag edges using aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy with monochromation of the electron beam. An in situ heating holder is used to perform imaging of samples at 800 °C in order to reduce chemical etching effects that cause rapid structure changes of graphene edges at room temperature under the electron beam. We provide detailed bond length measurements for Si atoms both attached to edges and also as near edge substitutional dopants. Edge reconstruction is also involved with the addition of Si dopants. Si atoms bonded to the edge of graphene are compared to substitutional dopants in the bulk lattice and reveal reduced out-of-plane distortion and bond elongation. An extended linear array of Si atoms at the edge is found to be energy-favorable due to inter-Si interactions. These results provide detailed structural information about the Si-C bonds in graphene, which may have importance in future catalytic and electronic applications.

Formation of Klein Edge Doublets from Graphene Monolayers

With increasing possibilities for applications of graphene, it is essential to fully characterize the rich topological variations in graphene edge structures. Using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, dangling carbon doublets at the edge of monolayer graphene crystals have been observed. Unlike the single-atom Klein edge often found at zigzag edges, these carbon dimers were observed in various edge structure environments, but most frequently on the more stable armchair edges. Observation of this Klein edge doublet over time reveals that its existence enhances the stability of armchair edges and is a route to atom abstraction on zigzag edges.

Face the Edges: Catalytic Active Sites of Nanomaterials

Edges are special sites in nanomaterials. The atoms residing on the edges have different environments compared to those in other parts of a nanomaterial and, therefore, they may have different properties. Here, recent progress in nanomaterial fields is summarized from the viewpoint of the edges. Typically, edge sites in MoS2 or metals, other than surface atoms, can perform as active centers for catalytic reactions, so the method to enhance performance lies in the optimization of the edge structures. The edges of multicomponent interfaces present even more possibilities to enhance the activities of nanomaterials. Nanoframes and ultrathin nanowires have similarities to conventional edges of nanoparticles, the application of which as catalysts can help to reduce the use of costly materials. Looking beyond this, the edge structures of graphene are also essential for their properties. In short, the edge structure can influence many properties of materials.

The structure and elastic properties of phosphorene edges

We investigated the edge atomic structures and elastic properties of defect-free phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs). Density functional tight binding simulations were used to optimize two main edge configurations: armchair (AC) and zigzag (ZZ). It was found that the energy relaxation of PNRs leads to the noticeable changes in edge atomic configurations. The effective width of the edge region, which includes all the atoms involved in the edge relaxation, was found to contain approximately three atomic rows near the edge for both AC and ZZ PNRs. We further extracted the edge stress and modulus for the ZZ and AC edges. Both the AC and ZZ edge stresses of PNRs are positive, indicating tensile stress at the edges. In addition, both the AC and ZZ edge moduli are positive. However, the edge elastic modulus and edge stress of ZZ PNRs are about three times larger than those of AC PNRs. Furthermore, we showed that the tensile edge stresses along ZZ and AC edges are able to cause distortion in freestanding phosphorene nanoribbons. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for edge stresses in the design and fabrication of PNRs.

Energetics of atomic scale structure changes in graphene

An overview of theoretical and experimental studies concerned with energetics of atomic scale structure changes in graphene, including thermally activated and electron irradiation-induced processes.