Atomically controlled substitutional boron-doping of graphene nanoribbons

Abstract

Boron is a unique element in terms of electron deficiency and Lewis acidity. Incorporation of boron atoms into an aromatic carbon framework offers a wide variety of functionality. However, the intrinsic instability of organoboron compounds against moisture and oxygen has delayed the development. Here, we present boron-doped graphene nanoribbons (B-GNRs) of widths of N=7, 14 and 21 by on-surface chemical reactions with an employed organoboron precursor. The location of the boron dopant is well defined in the centre of the B-GNR, corresponding to 4.8 atom%, as programmed. The chemical reactivity of B-GNRs is probed by the adsorption of nitric oxide (NO), which is most effectively trapped by the boron sites, demonstrating the Lewis acid character. Structural properties and the chemical nature of the NO-reacted B-GNR are determined by a combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy, high-resolution atomic force microscopy with a CO tip, and density functional and classical computations.

Structure of graphene and its disorders: a review

“…steps [97], twins [98], and trenches [99]), and directly partial growth on germanium(001) [100]. The lattice of GNR shows both zigzag and armchair edge orientations which can be observed by using AFM [101] and STM [79,100]. Figure 6(f) illustrates a modified high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) image of overlapping zigzag-armchair edges.…”

Recognizing nitrogen dopant atoms in graphene using atomic force microscopy

“…The same approach can be used for graphene [1][2][3][4][5]. In order to understand the effect of dopant atoms in graphene, it is essential to be able to study the number of dopants, their distribution, and how they are incorporated in the lattice, ideally down to the atomic level.…”

“…More recently, the chemical reactivity of boron-and nitrogen-doped graphene grown on silicon carbide was investigated with AFM [24]. Chemically passivated tips can also provide different contrast above boron atoms in graphene [5]. Since we aim to identify two chemical elements that are similar in size and are expected to have the same coordination in the lattice, we opted to use metal tips.…”

Progress on Crystal Growth of Two-Dimensional Semiconductors for Optoelectronic Applications

“…Different GNRs have been studied exhibiting different electrical properties by varying the precursors [49]. Also, introducing ion dopants, such as nitrogen, sulfur, and boron, can influence the electrical properties of GNRs, thus providing another method for engineering GNRs [50][51][52]. …”