Linear indium atom chains at graphene edges

Abstract The presence of metal atoms at the edges graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) opens new possibilities toward tailoring their physical properties. We present here formation and high-resolution characterization indium (In) chains on graphene-supported GNRs. GNRs are formed when adsorbed hydrocarbon contamination crystallizes via laser heating into small ribbon-like patches a second graphitic layer continuous monolayer onto which In is subsequently vapor deposited. Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), we find that this leads to preferential decoration overlying with multiple along edges. Electron-beam irradiation during STEM induces migration triggers longer atom imaging. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations similar our experimentally observed structures indicate both bare zigzag (ZZ) as well In-terminated ZZ-GNRs have metallic character, whereas in contrast, termination metallicity for otherwise semiconducting armchair (AC) Our findings provide insights creation properties long linear