title: Edges bring new dimension to graphene nanoribbons.
abstract: Chemistry at the edges of saturated graphene nanoribbons can cause ribbons to leave the plane and form three-dimensional helical structures. Calculations, based on density functional theory and enabled by adopting helical symmetry, show that F-terminated armchair ribbons are intrinsically twisted in helices, unlike flat H-terminated strips. Twisting ribbons of either termination couple the conduction and valence bands, resulting in band gap modulation. This electromechanical response could be exploited in switches and sensor applications.
authors: Chemistry Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, USA. gunlycke.sw@nrl.navy.mil
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Gunlycke
authors: Junwen
authors: J
authors: Li
authors: John W
authors: JW
authors: Mintmire
authors: Carter T
authors: CT
authors: White