Edges bring new dimension to graphene nanoribbons.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 20718402.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/nl102034c.
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Abstract
Chemistry at the edges of saturated graphene nanoribbons can cause ribbons to leave the plane and form three-dimensional helical structures. Calculations, based on density functional theory and enabled by adopting helical symmetry, show that F-terminated armchair ribbons are intrinsically twisted in helices, unlike flat H-terminated strips. Twisting ribbons of either termination couple the conduction and valence bands, resulting in band gap modulation. This electromechanical response could be exploited in switches and sensor applications.