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Catalytic subsurface etching of nanoscale channels in graphite

Author

Listed:
  • Maya Lukas

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Nanotechnology
    DFG Center for Functional Nanostructures (CFN))

  • Velimir Meded

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Nanotechnology
    Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Steinbuch Centre for Computing)

  • Aravind Vijayaraghavan

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Nanotechnology
    School of Computer Science, University of Manchester)

  • Li Song

    (Research Center for Exotic Nanocarbons, Shinshu University
    Rice University)

  • Pulickel M. Ajayan

    (Rice University)

  • Karin Fink

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Nanotechnology)

  • Wolfgang Wenzel

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Nanotechnology)

  • Ralph Krupke

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Nanotechnology
    DFG Center for Functional Nanostructures (CFN)
    Technische Universität Darmstadt)

Abstract

Catalytic hydrogenation of graphite has recently attracted renewed attention as a route for nanopatterning of graphene and to produce graphene nanoribbons. These reports show that metallic nanoparticles etch the surface layers of graphite or graphene anisotropically along the crystallographic zig-zag ‹11–20› or armchair ‹10–10› directions. The etching direction can be influenced by external magnetic fields or the supporting substrate. Here we report the subsurface etching of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite by Ni nanoparticles, to form a network of tunnels, as seen by scanning electron microscopy and scanning tunnelling microscopy. In this new nanoporous form of graphite, the top layers bend inward on top of the tunnels, whereas their local density of states remains fundamentally unchanged. Engineered nanoporous tunnel networks in graphite allow for further chemical modification and may find applications in various fields and in fundamental science research.

Suggested Citation

  • Maya Lukas & Velimir Meded & Aravind Vijayaraghavan & Li Song & Pulickel M. Ajayan & Karin Fink & Wolfgang Wenzel & Ralph Krupke, 2013. "Catalytic subsurface etching of nanoscale channels in graphite," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-8, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2399
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2399
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