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Abstract
The nucleation and growth mechanisms of graphene on Rh(111) via temperature-programmed growth of C2H4 are studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, and by density functional theory calculations. By combining our experimental and first principles approaches, we show that carbon nanoislands form in the initial stages of graphene growth, possessing an exclusive size of seven honeycomb carbon units (hereafter labeled as 7C6 ). These clusters adopt a domelike hexagonal shape indicating that bonding to the substrate is localized on the peripheral C atoms. Smoluchowski ripening is identified as the dominant mechanism leading to the formation of graphene, with the size-selective carbon islands as precursors. Control experiments and calculations, whereby coronene molecules, the hydrogenated analogues of 7C6 , are deposited on Rh(111), provide an unambiguous structural and chemical identification of the 7C6 building blocks.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 424-430 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nano Letters |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 19 Jan 2011 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 9 Feb 2011 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Size-Selective Carbon Nanoclusters as Precursors to the Growth of Epitaxial Graphene'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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SFC SRDG Centre SCISS: INTERDISCIPLINARY SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR SURFACE SPECTROSCOPY
Baumberger, F. (PI), Mackenzie, A. (CoI), Richardson, N. V. (CoI) & Schaub, R. (CoI)
1/06/07 → 31/05/11
Project: Standard