Conversion of chirality to twisting via sequential one-dimensional and two-dimensional growth of graphene spirals

Mar 4, 2024

Nature Materials 23, 331–338 (2024).

Zhu-Jun Wang#,*, Xiao Kong#, Yuan Huang#, Jun Li#, Lihong Bao, Kecheng Cao, Yuxiong Hu, Jun Cai, Lifen Wang, Hui Chen, Yueshen Wu, Yiwen Zhang, Fei Pang, Zhihai Cheng, Petr Babor, Miroslav Kolibal, Zhongkai Liu, Yulin Chen, Qiang Zhang, Yi Cui, Kaihui Liu, Haitao Yang, Xinhe Bao, Hong-Jun Gao, Zhi Liu, Wei Ji*, Feng Ding* & Marc-Georg Willinger*

Abstract:

The properties of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials can be tuned through nanostructuring or controlled layer stacking, where interlayer hybridization induces exotic electronic states and transport phenomena. Here we describe a viable approach and underlying mechanism for the assisted self-assembly of twisted layer graphene. The process, which can be implemented in standard chemical vapour deposition growth, is best described by analogy to origami and kirigami with paper. It involves the controlled induction of wrinkle formation in single-layer graphene with subsequent wrinkle folding, tearing and re-growth. Inherent to the process is the formation of intertwined graphene spirals and conversion of the chiral angle of 1D wrinkles into a 2D twist angle of a 3D superlattice. The approach can be extended to other foldable 2D materials and facilitates the production of miniaturized electronic components, including capacitors, resistors, inductors and superconductors.

DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01632-y

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