Graphene Nanoribbons: It’s all about the Edges

Illustration of a graphene nanoribbon with zigzag edges and the precursor molecules used in its manufacture. Electrons on the two zigzag edges display opposite directions of rotation (spin) — “spin-up” on the bottom edge (red) or “spin-down” on the top edge (blue). Credit: EMPA

Scientists have now managed to synthesise GNR with perfectly zigzagged edges using suitable carbon precursor molecules and a perfected manufacturing process. The zigzags followed a very specific geometry along the longitudinal axis of the ribbons. This is an important step, because researchers can thus give graphene ribbons different properties via the geometry of the ribbons and especially via the structure of their edges.

With molecules in a U-shape, which they allowed to grow together to form a snake-like shape, and additional methyl groups, which completed the zigzag edges, the researchers were able to finally create a “blueprint” for GNR with perfect zigzag edges. To check that the zigzag edges were exact down to the atom, the researchers investigated the atomic structure using an atomic force microscope (AFM). In addition, they characterised the electronic states of the zigzag edges using scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS).

And these display a very promising feature. Electrons can spin either to the left or to the right, which is referred to as the internal spin of electrons. The special feature of the zigzag GNR is that, along each edge, the electrons all spin in the same direction; an effect which is referred to as ferro-magnetic coupling. At the same time, the so-called antiferromagnetic coupling ensures that the electrons on the other edge all spin in the opposite direction. So the electrons on one side all have a “spin-up” state and on the other edge they all have a “spin-down” state.

Thus, 2 independent spin-channels with opposite “directions of travel” arise on the band edges. Via integrated structural defects on the edges or via the provision of an electrical, magnetic or optical signal from the outside, spin barriers and spin filters can thus be designed that require only energy in order to be switched on and off – the precursor to a nanoscale and also extremely energy efficient transistor.

APPS for GNR: spintronic devices; these use both the charge and the spin of the electrons. This combination is prompting scientists to forecast completely new components, e.g. addressable magnetic data storage devices which maintain the information that has been fed in even after the power has been turned off. https://tu-dresden.de/tu-dresden/newsportal/news/graphen-nanobaender-auf-die-raender-kommt-es-an-wenn-elektronen-unterschiedlich-spinnen