Morphological and electronic characterization of functionalized graphene nanoribbons obtained by the unzipping of single-wall carbon nanotubes: A Scanning Tunneling Microscopy study

摘要

A few layers of functionalized graphene (FLG) have been obtained by the oxidative unzipping reaction of single-walled carbon nanotubes. A detailed Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy study shows that several different morphologies are observed, depending on the substrate upon which they are deposited, thus providing useful hints for a real world application of these carbon nanostructures. In addition, a combined Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy investigation has shown that the electronic properties of these FLG are affected by their functionalization degree, opening interesting perspectives for their use in sensor and biosensor devices.