Structural Defects in Graphene

TLDR

Graphene’s exceptional electronic and mechanical properties arise from its near‑perfect lattice, yet defects introduced during growth or processing degrade performance but can also be harnessed to tailor local properties and enable new functionalities. This review surveys current knowledge of point and line defects in graphene. The review highlights graphene’s unique lattice reconstruction around intrinsic defects, which produces novel effects and potential applications.

Abstract

Graphene is one of the most promising materials in nanotechnology. The electronic and mechanical properties of graphene samples with high perfection of the atomic lattice are outstanding, but structural defects, which may appear during growth or processing, deteriorate the performance of graphene-based devices. However, deviations from perfection can be useful in some applications, as they make it possible to tailor the local properties of graphene and to achieve new functionalities. In this article, the present knowledge about point and line defects in graphene are reviewed. Particular emphasis is put on the unique ability of graphene to reconstruct its lattice around intrinsic defects, leading to interesting effects and potential applications. Extrinsic defects such as foreign atoms which are of equally high importance for designing graphene-based devices with dedicated properties are also discussed.