BN-Embedded Graphene with a Ubiquitous Gap Opening

Abstract

The electronic structures of BN-embedded graphene (BNG) were theoretically studied. A nonzero gap was found to exist in BNG regardless of the edge structures (zigzag/armchair) and the symmetries of the superlattice and BN quantum dots (QDs). The size of the gap is mainly determined by the width of the carbon wall between neighboring BN QDs. It is insensitive to the size of BN QDs, and thus obeys a universal scaling law. This significant and stable energy gap renders BNG as a promising way to control the electronic properties of graphene. The comparison with graphene antidot lattices and nanoribbons was also provided.