This thesis focused on the exploration of monolayer graphene as a membrane in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications, with improvements achieved through plasma exposure or damage- free... Show moreThis thesis focused on the exploration of monolayer graphene as a membrane in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications, with improvements achieved through plasma exposure or damage- free chemical functionalization. The advancements in low-dimensional materials (LDMs) have unveiled a new era where artificial membranes can regulate ion transport with atomic precision.The trade-off between selectivity and conductivity, which has impeded the development of proton exchange membranes, has been overcome through monolayer graphene, making it applicable in large-scale devices such as DMFCs. This work has the potential to solve many challenges faced by devices requiring proton exchange membranes, extending beyond fuel cells. Show less
In this thesis, we consider various (electro)chemical phenomena at surfaces and nanoparticles and their underlying atomistic processes, which we studied using first-principles methods such as... Show moreIn this thesis, we consider various (electro)chemical phenomena at surfaces and nanoparticles and their underlying atomistic processes, which we studied using first-principles methods such as density functional theory. These phenomena range from CO2 reduction to C2 and C3 species, through solvation of adsorbates on various surface features of late transition metals, to the impact of graphene on hydrogen evolution reaction, cathodic corrosion and surface oxidation of Pt. With our thermodynamic and kinetic calculations, we provide explanations for experimental observations by unraveling underlying phenomena, support novel computational methods and techniques, and propose new atomic structures that explain prior findings and provide inroads into future electrocatalytic research. Show less
In this PhD thesis, the recombination of different atomic lattices in stacked 2D materials such as twisted bilayer graphene is studied. Using the different possibilities of Low-Energy Electron... Show moreIn this PhD thesis, the recombination of different atomic lattices in stacked 2D materials such as twisted bilayer graphene is studied. Using the different possibilities of Low-Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM), the domain forming between the two atomic layers with small differences is studied. Superlattices in three such 2D material systems are studied. In twisted bilayer graphene, the small difference is caused by a twist of approximately one degree between the layers. In graphene on SiC, the difference is caused by the lattice mismatch between a buffer layer bound to the substrate and the next graphene layer. For both, we show that domains of different shapes and sizes occur and relate them to strain and lattice mismatch. The third system studied is tantalum disulfide. In this layered material, two different superlattices occur: a superlattice between atomic layers with different atomic arrangements in the layers, so-called polytypes, and the superlattices between the atomic lattice and the Charge Density Waves (CDW). CDWs cause a large temperature dependent resistivity change. The influence of a mixture of different polytypes on the precise CDW states is studied using LEEM spectroscopy and local Low-Energy Electron Diffraction. Show less
Metal complexes and 2D materials like graphene were combined to produce structures that can function as sensors. Using spin crossover materials, both in bulk single crystal form and in thin layer... Show moreMetal complexes and 2D materials like graphene were combined to produce structures that can function as sensors. Using spin crossover materials, both in bulk single crystal form and in thin layer form, graphene-based electronic sensors were produced and characterized that can detect spin switches in the spin crossover materials. At the same time, the light-activatable ruthenium complexes were researched for their application in sensors that can monitor reactions that were triggered by light. We found that the photoreaction of a ruthenium complex with a nucleobase could be triggered in paper-based graphene devices. Moreover, we found that this ruthenium scaffold could also be used to increase the signal strength in a nanopore-based DNA detection system. Lastly, a ruthenium complex was designed that had a sensing function built in, as a dual-function molecule with a sensing and anticancer function. Overall, combining metal complexes with graphene was found to be a successful strategy to produce hybrid structures for sensing. Show less
Advanced sensing techniques require graphene with high quality and well-controlled surface chemistry. The intrinsic high mobility, low electrical noises and uniform graphitic crystallinity are the... Show moreAdvanced sensing techniques require graphene with high quality and well-controlled surface chemistry. The intrinsic high mobility, low electrical noises and uniform graphitic crystallinity are the prerequisites for high-performance graphene electronics. More importantly, chemical functionalization contributes to unlock the sensing potential of the graphene basal plane. This thesis focuses on manipulating the surface chemistry of a graphene monolayer and explores the impacts on the electrical and electrochemical properties for sensing applications. Heteroatoms like hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen were systematically introduced into the graphene lattice as defect sites to modify the surface chemistry, and consequently the electronic properties and sensing performance. In summary, a correlation between the in-plane electron transport and the electrochemical activity of hydrogenated graphene was studied by modulating the density of H-sp3 defects. Moreover, cleaning effect on the graphene surface caused by hydrogenation process and the corresponding mechanism were discussed. The electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction reaction on nitrogen doped monolayer graphene was conducted to pinpoint the catalytic active sites. The mechanics of a centimeter-scale graphene floating on water was characterized by biaxial compression. Finally, the chemically modified graphene was tested for field-effect sensing of gas molecules. Show less
This thesis systematically analyzes the physical-chemistry of lipid-graphene interactions with the major objective of reconciliating the variety of results reported in the literature. By using... Show moreThis thesis systematically analyzes the physical-chemistry of lipid-graphene interactions with the major objective of reconciliating the variety of results reported in the literature. By using five major characterization techniques typically used to study lipids, namely IR spectroscopy, ellipsometry, AFM, neutron reflectivity and QCM-D, this thesis characterizes – in details – layered structures of graphene and lipids (so called superstructures) and separately studies the dynamics of the interaction between lipids and graphene. The most remarkable result is that through the systematic construction of i) a lipid monolayer on a silicon substrate; ii) the subsequent coating with graphene and iii) the deposition of a last lipid monolayer on top of the two layers stack; graphene could be encapsulated in the hydrophobic core of a lipid bilayer for the first time, promising a range of applications to sense biological processes occurring near or inside a lipid bilayer. Show less
Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are used as a current carrying substrate in investigation of current-induced forces in a low-temperature STM (chapter 2). We demonstrate induced migration of Co adatoms... Show moreGraphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are used as a current carrying substrate in investigation of current-induced forces in a low-temperature STM (chapter 2). We demonstrate induced migration of Co adatoms on GNRs and on Au(111) using voltage pulses from the STM tip and we argue that motion is due to thermal excitations rather than the wind force. In chapter 3 we show that voltage signal is induced in a graphene strip when a droplet of ionic liquid is moved across its surface. Here we show that even deionized water can induce voltage over charged graphene surface due to the polarizability of water molecules. In chapter 4 we present a method for fabrication of graphene nanoelectrodes which we further test electrically in a modified STM. For the first time we demonstrate that the gap between two graphene nanoelectrodes can be tuned with subnanometric precision Show less
In this work, we illustrate unconventional approaches towards the fabrication of edge functionalized graphene nanostructures and bidimensional architectures in polymeric and metallic supports, with... Show moreIn this work, we illustrate unconventional approaches towards the fabrication of edge functionalized graphene nanostructures and bidimensional architectures in polymeric and metallic supports, with an outlook towards molecular sensing devices. Particularly, starting from the most established knowledge on the chemistry of graphene, we selectively functionalize the edges of graphene either via electrochemistry, plasma chemistry and solution chemistry. In fact, the chemistry at the edges, particularly at the nanoscale, tailors the properties of graphene without perturbing the honeycomb lattice of carbon atoms, thus without compromising the intrinsic nature of graphene. Via unconventional tools such as microtomy and molecular break junctions, we finally realize chemically designed platforms such as transistors, nanogaps and nanoribbons to be further integrated into sensing devices, such as zero-depth nanopore. Remarkably, we demonstrate the possibility of achieving extremely precise graphene nanostructures while going beyond the highly complicated demands of conventional top-down fabrications. At the same time, we specifically address the chemistry at the edges of graphene moving beyond synthetic approaches. Selectively edge functionalized graphene becomes available also on large area films and tailored graphene nanostructures, looking for the integration of graphene in the next generation sensing devices. Show less
In this thesis we study quantum transport phenomena on the nanometer scale, in two classes of materials: topological insulators with induced superconductivity and graphene superlattices. Both... Show moreIn this thesis we study quantum transport phenomena on the nanometer scale, in two classes of materials: topological insulators with induced superconductivity and graphene superlattices. Both topics are motivated by recent experimental developments: the first topic arose from the search for Majorana fermions in a quantum spin Hall insulator, the second topic arose from the search for massive Dirac fermions in the Kekulé band structure of graphene on a copper substrate. We focus on lattice models, solving them both numerically and analytically. Show less
Electron microscopy has become an extremely important techniquein a wide variety of elds. The resolving power is vastly superiorto light microscopes and electron microscopy has proven tobe valuable... Show moreElectron microscopy has become an extremely important techniquein a wide variety of elds. The resolving power is vastly superiorto light microscopes and electron microscopy has proven tobe valuable in elds ranging from archaeology and geology to biology andcondensed-matter physics.A major disadvantage is that the electron energy used in conventional ElectronMicroscopy (EM) ranges from 10’s to 100’s of keV. Such energetic electronscan signicantly damage the specimen. This is especially relevant in thestudy of biological samples and organic materials in general. Major eorts arebeing made to avoid this radiation damage from interfering with the studyof such materials. There are several approaches to minimize damage in EM.These include developing better detectors such that lower electron doses aresucient to form an image, and lowering the electron energies to several keV.In this dissertation I present the development of, and measurements with, atransmission electron microscope that uses electron energies ve orders ofmagnitude lower than in conventional Transmission Electron Microscopes(TEMs). The energies we use are in the order of a few eV. Hence, we call ourtechnique ’eV-TEM’. Show less
The thesis describes experimental steps towards reduction of friction on the macroscopic scale by scenarios of thermo- and superlubricity well-known on the nanoscale. The friction study involves... Show moreThe thesis describes experimental steps towards reduction of friction on the macroscopic scale by scenarios of thermo- and superlubricity well-known on the nanoscale. The friction study involves experiments on tailored Si nanopillar arrays, micropatterned Diamond-Like Carbon coating and high-quality graphene. Show less
This work covers two closely related topics: a theoretical study on the origins of friction and an experimental study on the growth of graphene. Both fundamental studies are focusing on the atomic... Show moreThis work covers two closely related topics: a theoretical study on the origins of friction and an experimental study on the growth of graphene. Both fundamental studies are focusing on the atomic processes involved. The study on friction treats the dissipation that takes places at one single friction contact. We show that the current explanations result in a discrepancy that we solve by evalutation of the mass involved: this mass is orders of magnitude smallar than assumed. The very small and dynamic mass at a friction contact forms an efficient channel of dissipation. This explanation allows us to understand and predict the friction behavior of surfaces at both the small and large scale. The study of graphene growth investigates the growth process of graphene at the atomic scale with a Scannning Tunneling Microscope in situ. We use our high- and, variable-temperature STM to determine the lowest nucleation temperature of graphene on Ir(111). Additionaly, individual steps that follow up each other during growth are clarified and presented. The graphene film closure is studied as well, which showed that graphene introduces internal strain in order to prevent local lattice defects. Our results are important for the improvement of the quality of graphene. Show less
Copper(I) hydridotrispyrazolylborate complexes were synthesized and analyzed as potential candidates for highly sensitive ethene detection. The best complexes were selected and used as sensitizers... Show moreCopper(I) hydridotrispyrazolylborate complexes were synthesized and analyzed as potential candidates for highly sensitive ethene detection. The best complexes were selected and used as sensitizers for extremely sensitive graphene-based ethene gas sensors. Show less
In this thesis, the formation of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) __nanomesh__ structures and of graphene on Rhodium (111) is studied experimentally. The structures of h-BN and graphene are extremely... Show moreIn this thesis, the formation of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) __nanomesh__ structures and of graphene on Rhodium (111) is studied experimentally. The structures of h-BN and graphene are extremely similar: both of them are single atomic layers with a honeycomb lattice, and the lattice constants are nearly identical. Both materials introduce novel properties and have the potential for a variety of applications. In this thesis, the layers were grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on Rh(111). During growth, the formation processes were tracked by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). This was performed in situ, namely during deposition at the elevated temperatures, required for the growth. In this way, we have obtained detailed knowledge of the formation mechanisms. In this thesis, basic surface science principles are employed to explain the observed, special growth behavior. Our understanding of the mechanisms at play has enabled us to compose new, improved deposition recipes that result in higher quality nanomesh and graphene layers. This knowledge is not only valuable for these specific systems, but it also deepens our general insights into deposition and growth of atomically thin layers. Show less
This dissertation is about transport and electronic properties of two types of electronic states occuring at the edges, which are protected by symmetry between positive and negative energies. One... Show moreThis dissertation is about transport and electronic properties of two types of electronic states occuring at the edges, which are protected by symmetry between positive and negative energies. One type of these states is shown to occur universally in graphene. It is also described how another type of edge states, Majorana fermions, can be used for topological quantum computation. Show less
This thesis is devoted to the effects of disorder on two-dimensional systems of Dirac fermions. Disorder localizes the usual electron system governed by the Schroedinger equation. The influence of... Show moreThis thesis is devoted to the effects of disorder on two-dimensional systems of Dirac fermions. Disorder localizes the usual electron system governed by the Schroedinger equation. The influence of disorder on Dirac fermions is qualitevely different. We concentrate on a random mass term in the Dirac equation. We have discovered that Dirac fermions in graphene are localized by a random mass, without any transition into metallic state. The situation is entirely different for Dirac fermions in a p-wave superconductor. There electrostatic disorder appears in the Dirac equation as a random mass, which localizes the excitation, but only if the disorder is relatively weak. For large mass fluctuations a transition into metallic state appears. This qualitatively different response to disorder in graphene and in p-wave superconductors is explained by the appearance of Majorana bound states, which allow for resonant tunneling and metallic state. Electrostatic disorder in a d-wave superconductor represented as random vector potential in the Dirac equation. We look at the transmission of Dirac fermions for electrostatic potential with long- and short-range fluctuations. We study the interplay of electrical and mechanical properties of suspended graphene by calculating the correction to the conductivity due to its deformation by a gate electrode. Show less
The central topic in this thesis is the effect of topological defects in two distinct types of condensed matter systems. The first type consists of graphene and topological insulators. By... Show moreThe central topic in this thesis is the effect of topological defects in two distinct types of condensed matter systems. The first type consists of graphene and topological insulators. By studying the long-range effect of lattice defects (dislocations and disclinations) we find that the graphene electrons mimic fundamental Dirac electrons in spaces with curvature and torsion. We show that these long-range effects influence interferometric transport measurements: (i) Emphasizing the importance of electron dephasing in graphene; (ii) Enabling a characterization of neutral Majorana states, which are important for quantum computation applications, and conjectured to exist in topological insulators. Considering also the microscopic structure of graphene dislocations, we interpret local tunneling experiments on graphite grain boundaries. The second type of systems we study are the high temperature cuprate superconductors, where the strongly interacting electrons lead to coexisting symmetry breaking orders in the pseudogap phase. We observe and describe the interplay of nematic (orientational) and stripe (translational) orderings in local tunneling experiments, with stripe dislocations playing the key role. We also describe the observed phonon anomaly in cuprates through the effect of metallic stripes. Show less
In this thesis we consider several effects of a Dirac spectrum in photonic crystals on the scattering and propagation of light. We calculate the effect of a Dirac point (a conical singularity in... Show moreIn this thesis we consider several effects of a Dirac spectrum in photonic crystals on the scattering and propagation of light. We calculate the effect of a Dirac point (a conical singularity in the band structure) on the transmission of radiation through a photonic crystal. We find that the transmission at the Dirac point is inversely proportional to the longitudinal dimension of the crystal. Further we propose a method to detect the pseudospin-1/2 Berry phase produced by the Dirac-type band structure of a triangular-lattice photonic crystal. In addition we show that the half-integer spin and the associated Berry phase remain observable in the presence of disorder in the crystal: the destructive interference caused by the Berry phase suppresses the reflected intensity at an angle which is related to the angle of incidence by time-reversal symmetry causing extinction of coherent backscattering. We test all our predictions numerically by solving the full Maxwell equations. We also demonstrate that the Goos-Hanchen effect, which has been observed for the first time in optics and has applications in particular in photonic crystals, is of high importance for graphene. We show that the Goos-Hanchen effect in an n-doped channel with p-doped boundaries doubles the degeneracy of the lowest propagating mode, introducing a two-fold degeneracy on top of the usual spin and valley degeneracies. This can be observed as a stepwise increase by 8e^2/h of the conductance with increasing channel width. Show less
The theoretical foundation for the work reported here is provided by Landauer's scattering theory of electron transport. The three main ingredients of a scattering problem are (1) a set of... Show moreThe theoretical foundation for the work reported here is provided by Landauer's scattering theory of electron transport. The three main ingredients of a scattering problem are (1) a set of reservoirs that emit and absorb particles, (2) the particles themselves, that propagate as waves between the reservoirs and (3) a scatterer that obstructs free propagation. In this thesis two classes of problems are considered. The first class results when the physical quantities characterizing the reservoirs or the scatterer are not constant in time. The second class results when wave propagation is described by the Dirac equation rather than the Schroedinger equation, as is the case in a 2D form of carbon, called graphene. Show less
