From Graphene constrictions to single carbon chains

TL;DR

This study provides atomic-resolution insights into graphene constrictions, revealing stable single carbon chains formed under electron beam irradiation, with implications for nanoscale carbon structures.

Contribution

It is the first to observe and analyze stable single carbon atom chains bridging graphene at atomic resolution.

Findings

Single carbon chains are reproducibly formed between graphene contacts.

Graphene structures undergo reconstructions with pentagons and heptagons.

Stable carbon chains are observed in various configurations under electron beam irradiation.

Abstract

We present an atomic-resolution observation and analysis of graphene constrictions and ribbons with sub-nanometer width. Graphene membranes are studied by imaging side spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy at 80 kV. Holes are formed in the honeycomb-like structure due to radiation damage. As the holes grow and two holes approach each other, the hexagonal structure that lies between them narrows down. Transitions and deviations from the hexagonal structure in this graphene ribbon occur as its width shrinks below one nanometer. Some reconstructions, involving more pentagons and heptagons than hexagons, turn out to be surprisingly stable. Finally, single carbon atom chain bridges between graphene contacts are observed. The dynamics are observed in real time at atomic resolution with enough sensitivity to detect every carbon atom that remains stable for a sufficient amount of time. The carbon chains appear reproducibly and in various configurations from graphene bridges, between adsorbates, or at open edges and seem to represent one of the most stable configurations that a few-atomic carbon system accomodates in the presence of continuous energy input from the electron beam.