Functionalizing graphene by embedded boron clusters

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to functionalize graphene by embedding alternating chains of B7 boron clusters, which can significantly alter its electronic properties for potential nanodevice applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of implanting non-connected boron clusters in graphene to modify its electronic characteristics for nanotechnology.

Findings

Graphene can incorporate B7 clusters without structural disruption.

Embedded boron chains can dramatically change graphene's electronic properties.

The approach enables controlled functionalization for nanodevice design.

Abstract

We present a model system that might serve as a blueprint for the controlled layout of graphene based nanodevices. The systems consists of chains of B7 clusters implanted in a graphene matrix, where the boron clusters are not directly connected. We show that the graphene matrix easily accepts these alternating boron chains, and that the implanted boron components may dramatically modify the electronic properties of graphene based nanomaterials. This suggests a functionalization of graphene nanomaterials, where the semiconducting properties might be supplemented by parts of the graphene matrix itself, but the basic wiring will be provided by alternating chains of implanted boron clusters that connect these areas.