Graphene growth on Pt(111) and Au(111) using a MBE carbon solid-source

Abstract

In this work we present a Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) growth method to obtain graphene on noble metals using evaporation of carbon atoms from a carbon solid-source in ultra-high vacuum conditions. We have synthesized graphene (G) on different metal surfaces: from a well studied substrate as platinum, to a substrate where it can only be formed using innovative methods, as is the case of gold. For the characterization of the graphene layers we have used in situ surface science techniques as low energy electron diffraction (LEED), auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).One of the main advantages of our methodology is that low surface temperatures are required to form graphene. Thus, by annealing Pt(111) and Au(111) substrates up to 650°C and 550°C respectively during carbon evaporation, we have obtained the characteristic LEED diagrams commonly attributed to graphene on these surfaces. STM results further prove the formation of graphene. For the case of G on Pt(111), STM images show a long range ordering associated with moiré patterns that correspond to a monolayer of graphene on (111) platinum surface. On the other hand, G/Au(111) STM results reveal the formation of dendritic islands pinned to atomic step edges. This method opens up new possibilities for the formation of graphene on many different substrates with potential technological applications.