• 文献标题:   Strain-induced phase transition and electron spin-polarization in graphene spirals
  • 文献类型:   Article
  • 作  者:   ZHANG XM, ZHAO MW
  • 作者关键词:  
  • 出版物名称:   SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
  • ISSN:   2045-2322
  • 通讯作者地址:   Shandong Univ
  • 被引频次:   7
  • DOI:   10.1038/srep05699
  • 出版年:   2014

▎ 摘  要

Spin-polarized triangular graphene nanoflakes (t-GNFs) serve as ideal building blocks for the long-desired ferromagnetic graphene superlattices, but they are always assembled to planar structures which reduce its mechanical properties. Here, by joining t-GNFs in a spiral way, we propose one-dimensional graphene spirals (GSs) with superior mechanical properties and tunable electronic structures. We demonstrate theoretically the unique features of electron motion in the spiral lattice by means of first-principles calculations combined with a simple Hubbard model. Within a linear elastic deformation range, the GSs are nonmagnetic metals. When the axial tensile strain exceeds an ultimate strain, however, they convert to magnetic semiconductors with stable ferromagnetic ordering along the edges. Such strain-induced phase transition and tunable electron spin-polarization revealed in the GSs open a new avenue for spintronics devices.