Graphene

Introduction, Properties and Applications

Overview

Introduction

Properties of Graphene

Growth Techniques

Quantum Theory of Graphene : The Dirac Equation

Current Research and Applications

Introduction

Allotrope of Carbon

2-D structure, sp2 Hybridization

Honeycomb Structure

Three especially strong bonds, one free electron

in orbital.

Building block of Graphite, CNT etc.

History

Theory first proposed in 1947 by P.R. Lawrence

Andre and Kostya, from University of Manchester, successfully produced

Graphene in 2004

Awarded Nobel in 2010

Method commonly referred as Scotch Tape Method

Properties

Physical Properties

0.142 nm bond length.

Strongest material with Tensile Strength 130 gigapascals, yet very light.

Great barrier, not even Helium can pass.

Opacity 2.3% , almost transparent and potential use in semi transparent

electronics.

Electronic Properties

Extremely high electrical conductivity, giant intrinsic mobility.

Zero effective mass of carriers.

Very low scattering.

Electron Transport described by Dirac Equation rather than Schrodingers

Equation.

Electronic Properties (contd.)

Tolerate high current densities.

Linear Dispersion Equation.

Quantum Effects

Electronic Structure

Metal

Density of States vs Energy

Plots .
(Graphene exists in a critical
state.)

Semiconductor

Graphene
(Zero Gap Semiconductor)

Zero Rest Mass

Dispersion Equation:
E(k) = cgk
Effective mass:

,Alternatively:

Zero Rest Mass (contd.)

Effective Mass:

Dirac Equation

Since the carriers are massless, we use Dirac Equation.

Schrodinger Equation:
Klein-Gordon Equation:
In Covariant form:
Dirac Solution:

Dirac Equation (contd.)

This must be equal to:

This implies:

(anticommutator)

Growth Techniques

Mechanically Splitting

Brute force application

Scotch-Tape Technique

Ultrasonic Cleavage

Other Approaches

Graphene epitaxy

Unzipping Carbon Nanotubes

Arc Discharge

Detonation using Chemicals

Applications

Applications

Graphene nano-ribbon electronics

GVTs (Graphene based Vacuum Transistors)

High Frequency Graphene Transistors

Photodetectors, measure of photon flux.

References

Jayasena, Buddhika, and Sathyan Subbiah. "A Novel Mechanical Cleavage Method for
Synthesizing Few-layer Graphenes." Nanoscale Res Lett Nanoscale Research Letters 6.1 (2011):
95. Web.
MRS Bulletin, Volume 37, Issue 12 (Graphene Fundamentals and Functionalities)
December 2012, pp. 1225-1234
The University of Warwick, Lecture Notes, The Dirac Equation, 2015
University of Pennsylvania, Quantum Theory of Graphene
Luo, Ji. "Second-order Envelope Equation of Graphene Electrons." Solid State Communications
195 (2014): 95-101. Web.
Fuchs, Goerbig Introduction to the Physical Properties of Graphene (2008)
Hoffman, Philip Solid State Physics - An Introduction, Wiley VCH (2014)

Thanks!
Aman Mehta
3rd Year
B. Tech ECE, IIT Roorkee
Enrollment No.- 14116010

The important thing is not to stop

questioning. Curiosity has its own reason
for existing.
- Albert Einstein