Graphene-protected iron layer on Ni(111)

TL;DR

This study investigates the intercalation of iron beneath a graphene layer on Ni(111), revealing the formation of a passivated magnetic Fe film that could protect against environmental reactivity.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the intercalation process of iron under graphene on Ni(111) and its potential for creating protective magnetic layers.

Findings

Fe intercalation forms epitaxial magnetic films

Films are passivated from reactive gases

Intercalation monitored via XPS and UPS

Abstract

Here we report the photoemission studies of intercalation process of Fe underneath graphene layer on Ni(111). The process of intercalation was monitored via XPS of corresponding core levels and UPS of the graphene-derived $\pi$ states in the valence band. \textit{fcc}-Fe films with thickness of 2-5 monolayers at the interface between graphene and Ni(111) form epitaxial magnetic layer passivated from the reactive environment, like for example oxygen gas.