Fe intercalation under graphene and hexagonal boron nitride in-plane heterostructure on Pt(111)

TL;DR

This study investigates iron atom intercalation beneath a heterostructure of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride on Pt(111), revealing thermally activated diffusion preferences and effects of oxygen coadsorption, with implications for spintronics and data storage.

Contribution

It provides detailed insights into iron intercalation mechanisms under mixed 2D heterostructures on metal supports, highlighting the influence of different 2D materials and oxygen coadsorption.

Findings

Iron diffuses preferentially under graphene areas.

Oxygen coadsorption increases intercalation rate.

Formation of B2O3 and oxygenated B-C species observed.

Abstract

Metal nanostructures confined between sp2 hybridized 2D materials and solid supports are attracting attention for their potential application in new nanotechnologies. Model studies under well-defined conditions are valuable for understanding the fundamental aspects of the phenomena under 2D covers. In this work we investigate the intercalation of iron atoms through a single layer of mixed graphene and hexagonal boron nitride on Pt(111) using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Thermally activated diffusion of iron proceeds preferentially under graphene and only partially under hexagonal boron nitride areas. When oxygen is coadsorbed with iron, the intercalation rate is higher, and formation of B2O3 and oxygenated B-C species is observed. Our results suggest the possibility of confining ferromagnetic layers under heterostructures of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride with potential technological implications in the fields of spintronics, magnetic data storage or chemistry under 2D covers.