Stable ferromagnetism and doping-induced half-metallicity in asymmetric graphene nanoribbons

• Published in: Physical review. B, Condensed matter and materials physics Vol. 85; no. 24
• Main Authors: Adams, Donat J., Gröning, Oliver, Pignedoli, Carlo A., Ruffieux, Pascal, Fasel, Roman, Passerone, Daniele
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 05-06-2012
• Subjects: Asymmetry; Band structure of solids; Condensed matter; Doping; Ferromagnetism; Graphene; Nanostructure; Strategy
• ISSN: 1098-0121; 1550-235X
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.85.245405

We propose a class of graphene nanoribbons showing strong intrinsic ferromagnetic behavior due to their asymmetry. Such ribbons are based on a zigzag-edged backbone surmounted by a periodic, triangular notched region of variable size. The electronic properties as a function of the topology are investigated. Interestingly, substitutional doping by boron or nitrogen induces half-metallicity. The most effective doping sites can be inferred from the band structure. Given the present rapid development of bottom-up strategies for the synthesis of atomically precise carbon nanostructures the proposed class of nanoribbons emerges as a real candidate for spintronic applications at ambient temperature.