Effect of edge vacancies on localized states in semi-infinite zigzag graphene sheet

TL;DR

This study investigates how vacancies affect zero-energy edge states in zigzag graphene, revealing that defect arrangement critically influences the destruction of these states and identifying a critical vacancy distance impacting electronic density.

Contribution

It introduces an analysis of defect arrangement effects on edge states in graphene using Green's function and tight-binding methods, highlighting the importance of defect distribution.

Findings

Defect arrangement critically influences edge state robustness.

A critical vacancy distance affects electronic state density.

Defect distribution impacts the electronic properties of graphene edges.

Abstract

The effect of vacancies on the robustness of zero-energy edge electronic states in zigzag-type graphene layer is studied at different concentrations and distributions of defects. All calculations are performed by using the Green's function method and the tight-binding approximation. It is found that the arrangement of defects plays a crucial role in the destruction of the edge states. We have specified a critical distance between edge vacancies when their mutual influence becomes significant and affects markedly the density of electronic states at graphene edge.