▎ 摘　　要

The effect of edge carbon atoms in graphene islands grown on a metal surface on the kinetics of nucleation, growth and dissolution of these islands, as well as of a multilayer graphite film, has been analyzed. It is shown that the part played by edge atoms should be taken into account in description of equilibrium processes taking place in multiphase carbon-metal systems as well. A common mechanism has been proposed for intercalation of graphene islands on metals by alkali metal atoms, and for temperature-induced escape of these atoms from under the layer.