Electron spin magnetism of zigzag graphene nanoribbon edge states

Kun Xu, Purdue University
Peide D. Ye, Birck Nanotechnology Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University

Date of this Version

4-21-2014

Comments

This is the Publisher PDF of Xu, K and Ye, PD. " Electron spin magnetism of zigzag graphene nanoribbon edge states." Applied Physics Letters, 104: 163104. 2014. Copyright AIP, it is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4872377.

Abstract

The electron spin states of zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) edge play a pivotal role in the applications of graphene nanoribbons. However, the exact arrangements of the electron spins remain unclear to date. In this report, the electronic spin states of the ZGNR edge have been elucidated through a combination of quantum chemical investigation and previous electron spin resonance experiment observations. An alternating alpha and beta spin configuration of the unpaired electrons along the ZGNR edge is established in ambient condition without any external magnetic field, and the origin of the spin magnetism of the ZGNR edge is revealed. It paves a pathway for the understanding and design of graphene based electronic and spintronic devices. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

 

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