Operability timescale of defect-engineered graphene

Defects in the lattice are of primal importance to tune graphene chemical, thermal and electronic properties. Electron-beam irradiation is an easy method induce defects following pre-designed patterns, but no systematic study time evolution resulting available. In this paper, change over defected sites created with low-energy ($\leq 20$ keV) electron studied both experimentally via micro-Raman spectroscopy for a period $6\times 10^3$ hours through molecular dynamics simulations. During first 10 h, structural stable at highest density value. Subsequently, crystal partially reconstructs, eventually reaching stable, less condition after more than one month. The simulations allow rationalization processes atomic level confirm that induces composite clusters different nature rather well-defined nanoholes as case high-energy electrons. presented results identify timescale stability, thus establishing operability timespan engineerable defect-rich devices applications nanoelectronics. Moreover, long-lasting chemical reactivity defective pointed out. This property can be exploited functionalize sensing energy storage applications.