Synthesis, Structure and Properties of Boron and Nitrogen Doped Graphene

TL;DR

This paper explores the synthesis, structure, and properties of boron and nitrogen doped graphene, demonstrating how doping alters electronic properties and Raman spectra, with potential for device applications.

Contribution

It introduces new methods for doping graphene with boron and nitrogen and combines experimental and theoretical analysis to understand property changes.

Findings

Doping modifies carrier concentration and electronic structure.

Raman spectra show G-band stiffening and D-band intensification.

Doped graphene exhibits n/p-type behavior without external fields.

Abstract

Two-dimensional graphene exhibits many fascinating properties such as ballistic electronic conduction and quantum Hall effect at room temperature.1-4 Graphene doped electrochemically or through charge-transfer with electron-donor and -acceptor molecules,5-7 shows marked changes in electronic structure, with characteristic signatures in the Raman spectra.5-10 Substitutional doping, universally used in tuning properties of semiconductors, could be a powerful tool to control the electronic properties of graphene. Here, we present the structure and properties of boron and nitrogen doped graphenes, obtained by more than one method involving arc discharge in appropriate gaseous atmosphere, by using modified graphite electrode or by the transformation of nano-diamond. Using a combination of experiment and firstprinciples theory, we demonstrate systematic changes in the carrier-concentration and electronic structure of graphenes with B/N-doping, accompanied by stiffening of the Gband and intensification of the defect related D-band in the Raman spectra. Such n/p - type graphenes obtained without external fields or chemical agents should find device applications.