Abstract

The electronic transport of zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) with local Stone-Wales (SW) defects is systematically investigated by first principles calculations. While both symmetric and asymmetric SW defects give rise to complete electron backscattering region, the well-defined parity of the wave functions in symmetric SW defects configuration is preserved. Its signs are changed for the highest-occupied electronic states, leading to the absence of the first conducting plateau. The wave function of asymmetric SW configuration is very similar to that of the pristine GNR, except for the defective regions. Unexpectedly, calculations predict that the asymmetric SW defects are more favorable to electronic transport than the symmetric defects configuration. These distinct transport behaviors are caused by the different couplings between the conducting subbands influenced by wave function alterations around the charge neutrality point.

Highlights

  • As a truly two-dimensional nanostructure, graphene has attracted considerable interest, mainly because of its peculiar electronic and transport properties described by a massless Dirac equation [1,2]

  • We investigate the influence of SW defects on the electronic transport of zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs)

  • T as a function of the electron energy E is given by Results and discussions In Figure 1, we show the geometry of defective ZGNR after relaxation

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Summary

Introduction

As a truly two-dimensional nanostructure, graphene has attracted considerable interest, mainly because of its peculiar electronic and transport properties described by a massless Dirac equation [1,2]. GNR-based nanodevices are expected to behave as molecular devices with electronic properties similar to those of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [19,20], as for instance, Biel et al [21] reported a route to overcome current limitations of graphene-based devices through the fabrication of chemically doped GNR with boron impurities. In this brief communication, we investigate the influence of SW defects on the electronic transport of zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs).

Results and discussions
Conclusion
19. Avouris Ph
42. Datta S
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