A versatile platform for graphene nanoribbon synthesis, electronic decoupling, and spin polarized measurements

TL;DR

This paper presents a versatile platform combining synthesis, electronic decoupling, and spin-polarized measurements of graphene nanoribbons, enabling advanced magnetic studies relevant for spintronics.

Contribution

It introduces a new method using Cu3Au(111) alloy to synthesize nano-graphenes with magnetic and electronic decoupling properties on a single platform.

Findings

Successful synthesis of nano-graphenes on Cu3Au(111)

Demonstration of magnetic Co islands on the platform

High-resolution spin-polarized measurements achieved

Abstract

The on-surface synthesis of nano-graphenes has led the charge in prototyping structures with perspectives beyond silicon-based technology. Following reports of open-shell systems in graphene-nanoribbons (GNR), a flurry of research activities is directed at investigating their magnetic properties with a keen eye for spintronic applications. Although the synthesis of nano-graphenes is usually straightforward on gold, it is difficult to use it for electronic decoupling and spin-polarized measurements. Using a binary alloy Cu3Au(111), we show how to combine the efficient gold-like nano-graphene formation with spin polarization and electronic decoupling known from copper. We prepare copper oxide layers, demonstrate thermally and tip-assisted synthesis of GNR and grow thermally stable magnetic Co islands. We functionalize the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope with carbon-monoxide, nickelocene, or attach Co clusters for high-resolution imaging, magnetic sensing, or spin-polarized measurements. This versatile platform will be a valuable tool in the advanced study of magnetic nano-graphenes.