Collaborative Research: Intrinsic Limits of Transport in Graphene Nanoribbons

本程序的目的是阐明石墨烯纳米带(GNR)中电荷和热传输的基本限制机制，GNR是从2D石墨烯获得的准一维(1D)器件。PIs的实验和理论相结合的方法将研究宽度、衬底、边缘粗糙度和装饰对大范围温度和外加电场下GNR的电子和热学性质的影响。智能的优点在于揭示了GNR中电流和热流的基本限制，它可以用来实现晶体管和互连，并对现代电子产生革命性的影响。该项目将从纳米材料和设备到全面的微观模拟来指导和解释实验。在该程序中实现的宽度调节和边缘粗糙度控制或功能化将为操纵GNR的电子、热和热电响应开辟新的前景。从这项工作中得到的基本知识将适用于其他准一维系统，在这些系统中，可变性、边缘粗糙度和衬底效应变得重要。更广泛的影响包括(1)通过该项目的实验理论性质为研究生创造一个广泛的教育环境，(2)学生交流和定期访问，以促进附近两个校园之间的活跃合作，(3)让本科生参与研究和出版，(4)指导妇女和少数群体，以及(5)通过当地资源(UIUC Nano-CEMMS中心和UW-Madison MRSEC)与K-12学生互动，并通过NanHUB.org与世界各地的受众进行互动。

The objective of this program is to elucidate the fundamental limiting mechanisms of charge and heat transport in graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), which are quasi-1-dimensional (1D) devices obtained from 2D graphene. The combined experimental and theoretical approach of the PIs will study the influence of width, substrate, edge roughness and decoration on the electronic and thermal properties of GNRs over a wide range of temperatures and applied electric fields. The intellectual merit lies in revealing the fundamental limitations of current and heat flow in GNRs, which could be used to implement both transistors and interconnects and have a trans-formative effect on modern electronics. This project will span from nanomaterials and devices to comprehensive microscopic simulation to guide and interpret the experiments. Tuning of width and control of the edge roughness or functionalization achieved in this program would open new vistas for the manipulation of electronic, thermal, and thermoelectric response of GNRs. The fundamental knowledge resulting from this work would apply to other quasi-1D systems where variability, edge roughness, and substrate effects become important. The broader impacts include (1) the creation of a broad educational environment for gradu-ate students through the experimental-theoretical nature of the project, (2) student exchanges and regular visits to facilitate a vibrant collaboration between the two nearby campuses, (3) involve-ment of undergraduates in research and publishing, (4) mentoring of women and minorities, and (5) interacting with K-12 students through local resources (the UIUC Nano-CEMMS center and the UW-Madison MRSEC), and with a world-wide audience through the nanoHUB.org.