Graphene - Armchair vs Zigzag - Semiconductor?

In summary, the differentiation between the zigzag and armchair pattern of graphene results in zigzag edges producing metallic properties and armchair edges producing semiconducting/metallic properties. This is related to the orientation of graphene, where if a nanoribbon is oriented with armchair patterns along the sides, it is not possible to obtain the semiconducting property. This property dependence changes when looking at a nanoribbon with periodic boundary conditions. For further information, links to papers and textbooks used to study this topic can be provided.
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HenryA.
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Graphene - Semiconducting and metallic dependence on edge properties.
I have a question concerning the differentiation between the zigzag and armchair pattern of graphene. Specifically concerning the fact that zigzag edges produce metallic properties and armchair edges producing semiconducting/metallic properties.

How does this relate to the orientation of graphene? As in, if I were to measure the conductance across a nanoribbon of graphene and it is oriented such that the armchair patterns are long the sides, is there no way for me to get the semiconducting property? And how does this property dependence change when I look at a nanoribbon with periodic boundary conditions?
 
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Can you post some links to the papers and textbooks you've been using to study this? Thanks.
 
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1. What is graphene and how is it different from other materials?

Graphene is a two-dimensional material made up of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is different from other materials because it is the thinnest and strongest material known, and has unique properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity.

2. What is the difference between armchair and zigzag graphene structures?

Armchair and zigzag refer to the orientation of the edges of a graphene sheet. Armchair edges have a straight edge, while zigzag edges have a jagged edge. These structures have different electronic properties, with armchair graphene being a semiconductor and zigzag graphene being a metal.

3. How does armchair graphene behave as a semiconductor?

Armchair graphene behaves as a semiconductor because of its unique band structure. It has a band gap, which is the energy range where no electronic states can exist, making it an insulator. However, this band gap can be manipulated by applying an external electric field, making it a tunable semiconductor.

4. What are the potential applications of armchair graphene as a semiconductor?

Armchair graphene's properties as a semiconductor make it a promising material for various applications, such as in electronic devices, solar cells, and sensors. Its tunable band gap also makes it suitable for use in transistors and other optoelectronic devices.

5. How does the synthesis of armchair graphene differ from zigzag graphene?

The synthesis of armchair and zigzag graphene structures differ in terms of the starting materials and methods used. Armchair graphene is typically synthesized using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a metal substrate, while zigzag graphene can be produced through a bottom-up approach using organic precursors. Additionally, the edges of zigzag graphene can be controlled through the synthesis process, while armchair graphene's edges are determined by the substrate used.

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