Spin-induced band modifications of graphene through intercalation of magnetic iron atoms

Nanoscale. 2014 Apr 7;6(7):3824-9. doi: 10.1039/c3nr04178f.

Abstract

Intercalation of magnetic iron atoms through graphene formed on the SiC(0001) surface is found to induce significant changes in the electronic properties of graphene due mainly to the Fe-induced asymmetries in charge as well as spin distribution. From our synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy data together with ab initio calculations, we observe that the Fe-induced charge asymmetry results in the formation of a quasi-free-standing bilayer graphene while the spin asymmetry drives multiple spin-split bands. We find that Fe adatoms are best intercalated upon annealing at 600 °C, exhibiting split linear π-bands, characteristic of a bilayer graphene, but much diffused. Subsequent changes in the C 1s, Si 2p, and Fe 3p core levels are consistently described in terms of Fe-intercalation. Our calculations together with a spin-dependent tight binding model ascribe the diffuse nature of the π-bands to the multiple spin-split bands originated from the spin-injected carbon atoms residing only in the lower graphene layer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Intercalating Agents / chemistry*
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Magnetics*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Intercalating Agents
  • Graphite
  • Iron