Edge Control of Graphene Domains Grown on Hexagonal Boron Nitride

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to control the edge structure of graphene domains grown on hexagonal boron nitride by adjusting the gas ratio during growth, enabling potential fabrication of graphene ribbons with specific edge configurations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to manipulate graphene edge structures on h-BN substrates through gas ratio modification during growth.

Findings

Edge control achieved by varying gas ratios.

Edge directions identified using moiré patterns and atomic-resolution AFM images.

Potential for fabricating graphene ribbons with desired edge properties.

Abstract

Edge structure of graphene has a significant influence on its electronic properties. However, control over the edge structure of graphene domains on insulating substrates is still challenging. Here we demonstrate edge control of graphene domains on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by modifying ratio of working-gases. Edge directions were determined with the help of both moir\'e pattern and atomic-resolution image obtained via atomic force microscopy measurement. It is believed that the variation on graphene edges mainly attributes to different growth rates of armchair and zigzag edges. This work demonstrated here points out a potential approach to fabricate graphene ribbons on h-BN.