Topological features of hydrogenated graphene

TL;DR

This paper explores how hydrogen adatoms on graphene induce magnetic moments and enhance spin-orbit coupling, leading to various topological phases, including those with non-trivial topological features, by analyzing ordered hydrogen arrays and extending to similar materials.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical classification of phases arising from the interplay of magnetism and spin-orbit coupling in hydrogenated graphene and related materials.

Findings

Hydrogen adatoms induce narrow resonances near the Dirac point.

Magnetism and spin-orbit coupling lead to diverse topological phases.

Extended models include stronger intrinsic spin-orbit interactions.

Abstract

Hydrogen adatoms are one of the most the promising proposals for the functionalization of graphene. Hydrogen induces narrow resonances near the Dirac energy, which lead to the formation of magnetic moments. Furthermore, they also create local lattice distortions which enhance the spin-orbit coupling. The combination of magnetism and spin-orbit coupling allows for a rich variety of phases, some of which have non trivial topological features. We analyze the interplay between magnetism and spin-orbit coupling in ordered arrays of hydrogen on graphene monolayers, and classify the different phases that may arise. We extend our model to consider arrays of adsorbates in graphene-like crystals with stronger intrinsic spin-orbit couplings.