Comparative structural characterization of two types of graphene layers on SiC (Appl. Surf. Sci. 2019)

We have studied epitaxial graphene grown on SiC by chemical vapour deposition. In the work, two kinds of graphene layers were evaluated, a single layer graphene and a quasi-free-standing graphene obtained by hydrogen intercalation under the buffer layer. To evaluate the influence of the different nature of both graphene layers…

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Decoupling epitaxial graphene from metals by electrochemical oxidation (Carbon 2018)

The catalytic role of metallic substrates is a perfect starting point for growing high quality graphene layers by thermal decomposition of aromatics. However, metallic substrates quench the outstanding properties that make graphene the most promising material for future applications. Thus, protocols to transfer graphene to different technologically relevant substrates are…

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An atomic-scale look to graphene edge states (Nanoscale 2017)

Graphene edges are known to present localized electronic states that depend on the exact atomic configuration of the graphene border. It has been predicted that zigzag-ended and chiral-ended graphene nanostructures develop spatially and spectrally localized edge states around the Fermi level. However, experimental evidence remains scarce as atomic-scale investigations of…

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New method to synthesize graphene by using C60 as carbon source (Carbon 2017)

In this work, we describe a new protocol to grow high-quality graphene by physical vapour deposition (PVD) using C60 molecules evaporated in ultra high vacuum conditions (UHV) on Cu foils substrates. The quality of the resulting graphene layer has been assessed by the combination of complementary surface characterization techniques. Additionally,…

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Unveiling the structural and electronic properties of epitaxial graphene superstructures on Pt(111): the role of the pinning points

Graphene growth on metal surfaces is one of the most promising routes towards scalable production of high-quality graphene suitable for industrial applications. Conventionally, the growth of graphene is carried out on weakly interacting surfaces – typically Cu foils – where the substrate plays a double role: first, as a catalyst;…

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On the origin of interstellar aromatic molecules

Despite their abundance and ubiquity in space, the origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is still a mystery for astronomers. Gas phase chemistry models, this is, simple collisions between C atoms and C-containing molecules, and soot formation mechanisms can not easily account for the observed amount of PAHs, as they…

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OPEN POSTDOCT POSITION AT THE ESISNA GROUP OF ICMM/CSIC

Functionalizing epitaxial graphene We are currently looking for a postdoc in the framework of the EC-Flagship program. The candidate should have proven experience in ultra high vacuum (UHV) and in some of the surface science characterization techniques (STM, LEED, XPS, synchrotron radiation…). IR experience in UHV will be advantageous. Your…

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Diffusion controlled on-surface reactions: formation of N-doped nanoarchitectures

The bottom-up approach aims at forming tailored nanoarchitectures by manipulating organic molecules at atomic level and it is one of the most effective strategies used in nanotechnology. Catalytic surfaces are often used to prompt a particular reaction as they are very successful in modifying a particular molecule in selected ways.…

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