Interlayer charge transfer in graphene 2D polyimide heterostructures

TL;DR

This study explores the charge transfer and electronic property modifications in graphene when combined with a 2D polyimide heterostructure, revealing substrate-dependent doping effects and potential for tailored optoelectronic devices.

Contribution

It introduces a novel graphene/2D polyimide heterostructure, demonstrating interlayer charge transfer effects and substrate influence on electronic properties, advancing 2D material heterostructure design.

Findings

Interlayer charge exchange induces hole doping in graphene.

Heterostructure properties depend on substrate used.

Potential for engineering optoelectronic device functionalities.

Abstract

The vertical integration of multiple two-dimensional (2D) materials in heterostructures, held together by van der Waals forces, has opened unprecedented possibilities for modifying the (opto-)electronic properties of nanodevices. Graphene, with its remarkable opto-electronic properties, is an ideal candidate for such applications. Further candidates are 2D polymers, crystalline polymeric materials with customizable structure and electronic properties that can be synthesized in all mathematically possible Bravais lattices. In this study, we investigated the optoelectronic properties of a heterostructure created by pristine graphene and a rectangular 2D polyimide (2DPI) film. This imprints a new superlattice on graphene in conjunction with a direct influence on its electronic properties. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that interlayer charge exchange between the 2D polymer and graphene induces hole doping in the graphene layer. We have also observed that the properties of the heterostructure are dependent on the substrate used in experiments, likely due to the porous character of the 2DPI allowing direct interaction of graphene with the support. These findings highlight the unique ability to tailor functionalities in 2D polymers-based heterostructures, allowing the development of optoelectronic devices with precisely engineered properties and stimulating further exploration of the diverse phenomena accessible through tailored designs of the 2D polymers.