Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons: Metallicity Explained

  • A
  • Thread starter anahita
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Graphene
In summary, zigzag graphene nanoribbons can have a metallic or semiconducting nature depending on their width and electronic structure. While tight binding theory predicts them to be always metallic, density functional theory calculations show that armchair nanoribbons are semiconducting and their energy gap increases with decreasing width. Experiments have also shown the fabrication of graphene nanoribbons with controlled edge orientation and energy gaps of up to 0.5 eV. Additionally, zigzag nanoribbons are semiconducting and exhibit spin polarized edges.
  • #1
anahita
39
0
Hi.
Why Zigzag graphene nanoribbons is metallics??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
This may have your answer:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphene_nanoribbons

They state that it depends on several factors:

Electronic structure
...

Calculations based on tight binding theory predict that zigzag GNRs are always metallic[contradictory] while armchairs can be either metallic or semiconducting, depending on their width. However, density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that armchair nanoribbons are semiconducting with an energy gap scaling with the inverse of the GNR width.[18] Experiments verified that energy gaps increase with decreasing GNR width.[19] Graphene nanoribbons with controlled edge orientation have been fabricated by scanning tunneling microscope (STM) lithography.[20] Energy gaps up to 0.5 eV in a 2.5 nm wide armchair ribbon were reported.

Zigzag nanoribbons are semiconducting[contradictory] and present spin polarized edges. ...
 

1. What are zigzag graphene nanoribbons?

Zigzag graphene nanoribbons are thin strips of graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The edges of the nanoribbons have a zigzag pattern, which gives them unique electronic properties.

2. How are zigzag graphene nanoribbons different from regular graphene?

Zigzag graphene nanoribbons have different edge structures compared to regular graphene, resulting in different electronic properties. While regular graphene is a semimetal, zigzag graphene nanoribbons can exhibit either metallic or semiconducting behavior, depending on their width and edge orientation.

3. What is metallicity and how does it apply to zigzag graphene nanoribbons?

Metallicity refers to the ability of a material to conduct electricity. In the case of zigzag graphene nanoribbons, their metallic or semiconducting behavior is determined by their width and edge orientation, which affects the arrangement of electrons and their ability to move freely.

4. How is the metallicity of zigzag graphene nanoribbons explained?

The metallicity of zigzag graphene nanoribbons can be explained by the concept of edge states. These are localized electronic states that exist only at the edges of the nanoribbon and contribute to its electronic properties. The arrangement of these edge states determines whether the nanoribbon is metallic or semiconducting.

5. What are the potential applications of zigzag graphene nanoribbons?

Zigzag graphene nanoribbons have potential applications in electronics, such as in transistors and sensors, due to their unique electronic properties. They may also have uses in energy storage, as their large surface area and high conductivity make them suitable for use in batteries and supercapacitors.

Similar threads

  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
0
Views
328
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
893
Back
Top