We present a density-functional-theory study of transition-metal atoms (Sc-Zn, Pt, and Au) embedded in single and double vacancies (SV and DV) in a graphene sheet. We show that for most metals, the bonding is strong and the metal-vacancy complexes exhibit interesting magnetic behavior. In particular, an Fe atom on a SV is not magnetic, while the Fe@DV complex has a high magnetic moment. Surprisingly, Au and Cu atoms at SV are magnetic. Both bond strengths and magnetic moments can be understood within a simple local-orbital picture, involving carbon sp2 hybrids and the metal spd orbitals. We further calculate the barriers for impurity-atom migration, and they agree well with available experimental data. We discuss the experimental realization of such systems in the context of spintronics and nanocatalysis. © 2009 The American Physical Society.
CITATION STYLE
Krasheninnikov, A. V., Lehtinen, P. O., Foster, A. S., Pyykkö, P., & Nieminen, R. M. (2009). Embedding transition-metal atoms in graphene: Structure, bonding, and magnetism. Physical Review Letters, 102(12). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.126807
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