Spintronic Properties of Zigzag-Edged Triangular Graphene Flakes

TL;DR

This study explores the quantum transport and spintronic properties of zigzag-edged triangular graphene flakes, revealing their potential for spintronic devices due to size-dependent magnetic and electronic behaviors.

Contribution

It provides first principles insights into how geometry, size, and edge termination influence magnetic moments and transport properties in triangular graphene flakes.

Findings

Large magnetic moments vary with edge hydrogenation and size.

Transport exhibits spin valve and rectification effects.

Magnetic states can switch under bias, affecting spin polarization.

Abstract

We investigate quantum transport properties of triangular graphene flakes with zigzag edges by using first principles calculations. Triangular graphene flakes have large magnetic moments which vary with the number of hydrogen atoms terminating its edge atoms and scale with its size. Electronic transmission and current-voltage characteristics of these flakes, when contacted with metallic electrodes, reveal spin valve and remarkable rectification features. The transition from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic state under bias voltage can, however, terminate the spin polarizing effects for specific flakes. Geometry and size dependent transport properties of graphene flakes may be crucial for spintronic nanodevice applications.