1
|
Abstract
Graphene can acquire salient properties by the intercalated nano structures, and to functionalize the graphene as designed, understanding the growth kinetics of the nano structures is a prerequisite. In that regards, Kr atoms are selectively intercalated just below the surface graphene of C(0001) by the incidence of low energy Kr ions. The growth kinetics of the encapsulated Kr nano structures is investigated by both scanning tunneling microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The intercalation proceeds via defect sites, such as surface vacancies. At room temperature, the thermal diffusion of intercalated Kr is almost frustrated by the strain field of the encapsulating graphene layers, and the growth of Kr nano structures proceeds via the transient mobility of both the intercalating Kr atoms and previously intercalated Kr atoms that are mobilized by collision with the incident Kr ions. At the elevated temperatures where thermal diffusion becomes effective, some Kr nano structures disappear, releasing pressurized Kr atoms, while others coalesce to form blisters via the delamination of the adjacent graphene. Some of the larger blisters explode to leave craters of varying depths at the surface. In contrast to growth on the substrate, the growth of each encapsulated nano structure depends significantly on extrinsic variables, such as surface vacancies and local topography around the nano structure, that affect the Kr diffusion and limit the maximal Kr pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Yoo
- Department of Physics, Sook-Myung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Torre AL, Åhlgren EH, Fay MW, Ben Romdhane F, Skowron ST, Parmenter C, Davies AJ, Jouhannaud J, Pourroy G, Khlobystov AN, Brown PD, Besley E, Banhart F. Growth of single-layer boron nitride dome-shaped nanostructures catalysed by iron clusters. Nanoscale 2016; 8:15079-15085. [PMID: 27486917 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03474h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We report on the growth and formation of single-layer boron nitride dome-shaped nanostructures mediated by small iron clusters located on flakes of hexagonal boron nitride. The nanostructures were synthesized in situ at high temperature inside a transmission electron microscope while the e-beam was blanked. The formation process, typically originating at defective step-edges on the boron nitride support, was investigated using a combination of transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy and computational modelling. Computational modelling showed that the domes exhibit a nanotube-like structure with flat circular caps and that their stability was comparable to that of a single boron nitride layer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A La Torre
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, UMR 7504 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg, France. and School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - E H Åhlgren
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - M W Fay
- Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - F Ben Romdhane
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, UMR 7504 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg, France.
| | - S T Skowron
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - C Parmenter
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - A J Davies
- Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - J Jouhannaud
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, UMR 7504 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg, France.
| | - G Pourroy
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, UMR 7504 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg, France.
| | - A N Khlobystov
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. and Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - P D Brown
- Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK and Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - E Besley
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - F Banhart
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, UMR 7504 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|