Mapping of the atomic lattice orientation of a graphite flake using macroscopic liquid crystal texture

Abstract

The electronic properties of graphene depend critically on its lattice orientation and edge type. However, it is very difficult to identify them, and they are accessible only using sophisticated tools. In this paper, we show an easy and reliable way to reveal the lattice orientation and edge type of graphene and graphite flakes, i.e. multi-layered graphene. Nematic liquid crystals have the potential to align themselves into three symmetric and equivalent orientations on crystalline graphite. The director of macroscopic texture due to the elasticity indicates the lattice orientation of the top graphite layer. By analyzing the director orientation using a polarizing optical microscope, we were able to show the lattice orientation, chiral angle and edge type of graphene and graphite flakes on the macroscopic scale. As liquid crystals are soft and easily removable, our technique has little chance of influencing the following processes for graphene manipulation.