Graphene Edge Structures: Folding, Tubing, and Twisting

Abstract

In this chapter, different methods to fabricate graphene like chemical vapor deposition, liquid-phase exfoliation, flame synthesis, and pulsed laser deposition and micromechanical exfoliation procedures will be discussed. For the characterization of graphene edge structures, a variety of techniques are cited. The most precise method for analyzing graphene edges is high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Besides, Raman spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are three of the complementary characterization methods. This chapter will discuss the conventional interface behaviors, giving instances of rehybridization, interface reorganization, restructuring, and chemical functionalization. Additionally, important novel topological distortions that take advantage of the existing additional third dimension will be examined, such as the graphene nanoribbon, an example of geometrically anisotropic graphene. Two different topological edge distortions, one parallel to the length of the strip and the other orthogonal to it, will be presented in an infinitely length graphene ribbon. While topological distortions, such as folding and tubing edge structures, can occur orthogonal to the ribbon axis, there can also be topological distortions parallel to the ribbon axis, resulting in twisting edge structures. In the final content, application area of graphene edges will be discussed. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.