Selective surface functionalization at regions of high local curvature in graphene

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that local curvature in graphene enhances its chemical reactivity, enabling selective functionalization at high-curvature regions through aryl radical reactions induced by strain energy.

Contribution

It reveals that local mechanical deformation in graphene influences its chemical reactivity, enabling targeted surface functionalization based on curvature.

Findings

Aryl radicals selectively react with high-curvature regions of graphene.

Enhanced reactivity is due to strain energy from local deformation.

Selective functionalization achieved on graphene with nanoparticle decoration.

Abstract

Monolayer graphene was deposited on a Si wafer substrate decorated with SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and then exposed to aryl radicals that were generated in situ from their diazonium precursors. Using micro-Raman mapping, the aryl radicals were found to selectively react with the regions of graphene that covered the NPs. The enhanced chemical reactivity was attributed to the increased strain energy induced by the local mechanical deformation of the graphene.