Atomic Bonding between
Metal and Graphene
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Abstract
To understand structural and chemical properties of metal–graphene
composites, it is crucial to unveil the chemical bonding along the
interface. We provide direct experimental evidence of atomic bonding
between typical metal nano structures and graphene, agreeing well
with density functional theory studies. Single Cr atoms are located
in the valleys of a zigzag edge, and few-atom ensembles preferentially
form atomic chains by self-assembly. Low migration barriers lead to
rich dynamics of metal atoms and clusters under electron irradiation.
We demonstrate no electron-instigated interaction between Cr clusters
and pristine graphene, though Cr has been reported to be highly reactive
to graphene. The metal-mediated etching is a dynamic effect between
metal clusters and pre-existing defects. The resolved atomic configurations
of typical nano metal structures on graphene offer insight into modeling
and simulations on properties of metal-decorated graphene for both
catalysis and future carbon-based electronics