Postsynthesis of h-BN/Graphene Heterostructures Inside a STEM.

Combinations of 2D materials with different physical properties can form heterostructures with modified electrical, mechanical, magnetic, and optical properties. The direct observation of a lateral heterostructure synthesis is reported by epitaxial in-plane graphene growth from the step-edge of hexagonal BN (h-BN) within a scanning transmission electron microscope chamber. Residual hydrocarbon in the chamber is the carbon source. The growth interface between h-BN and graphene is atomically identified as largely N-C bonds. This postgrowth method can form graphene nanoribbons connecting two h-BN domains with different twisting angles, as well as isolated carbon islands with arbitrary shapes embedded in the h-BN layer. The electronic properties of the vertically stacked h-BN/graphene heterostructures are investigated by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Low-loss EELS analysis of the dielectric response suggests a robust coupling effect between the graphene and h-BN layers.