Controlled, reversible, and nondestructive generation of uniaxial extreme strains (>10%) in graphene.

Pérez Garza, H Hugo; Kievit, Eric W; Schneider, Grégory F; Staufer, Urs · Nano Lett · 2014

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Theoretical calculations have predicted that extreme strains (>10%) in graphene would result in novel applications. However, up to now the highest reported strain reached ∼1.3%. Here, we demonstrate uniaxial strains >10% by pulling graphene using a tensile-MEMS. To prevent it from slipping away it was locally clamped with epoxy using a femtopipette. The results were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and optical tracking. Furthermore, analysis proved the process to be reversible and nondestructive for the graphene.