Functional single-layer graphene sheets from aromatic monolayers

TL;DR

This paper presents a method to produce high-quality single-layer graphene from aromatic monolayers on copper substrates using electron irradiation and annealing, with detailed atomic-scale characterization.

Contribution

It introduces a novel solid-state transformation process from aromatic monolayers to graphene on various copper substrates, including polycrystalline copper foils.

Findings

Successful conversion of aromatic monolayers to graphene

High-quality graphene characterized by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques

Electrical transport measurements confirm graphene's properties

Abstract

We demonstrate how self-assembled monolayers of aromatic molecules on copper substrates can be converted into high-quality single-layer graphene using low-energy electron irradiation and subsequent annealing. We characterize this two-dimensional solid state transformation on the atomic scale and study the physical and chemical properties of the formed graphene sheets by complementary microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and by electrical transport measurements. As substrates we successfully use Cu(111) single crystals and the technologically relevant polycrystalline copper foils.