Two-dimensional semiconducting nanostructures based on single graphene sheets with lines of adsorbed hydrogen atoms

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that hydrogen atom lines on graphene create superlattice structures that significantly alter its electronic properties, turning it from a semimetal into a semiconductor, with potential for novel electronic applications.

Contribution

It introduces a new method of engineering graphene's electronic properties through hydrogen line adsorption, forming superlattices with tunable band gaps and heterostructure characteristics.

Findings

Hydrogen lines divide graphene into strips forming superlattices.

2HG-SL structures convert graphene from semimetal to semiconductor.

Electronic spectra resemble carbon nanotubes with oscillating band gaps.

Abstract

It is shown that lines of adsorbed hydrogen pair atoms divide the graphene sheet into strips and form hydrogen-based superlattice structures (2HG-SL). We show that the forming of 2HG-SL drastically changes the electronic properties of graphene from semimetal to semiconductor. The electronic spectra of "zigzag" (n,0) 2HG-SL is similar to that of (n,0) carbon nanotubes and have a similar oscillation of band gap with number n, but with non-zero minimal values. The composite dual-periodic (n,0)+(m,0) 2HG-SLs of "zigzag" strips are analyzed, with the conclusion that they may be treated as quasi-two-dimensional heterostructures. We also suggest an experimental way of fabricating hydrogen superlattices.