Friction, adhesion, and elasticity of graphene edges

D. Patrick Hunley, Tyler J. Flynn, Tom Dodson, Abhishek Sundararajan, Mathias J. Boland, Douglas R. Strachan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Frictional, adhesive, and elastic characteristics of graphene edges are determined through lateral force microscopy. Measurements reveal a significant local frictional increase at exposed graphene edges, whereas a single overlapping layer of graphene removes this local frictional increase. Comparison of lateral force and atomic force microscopy measurements shows that local forces on the probe are successfully modeled with a vertical adhesion in the vicinity of the atomic-scale graphene steps which also provides a new low-load calibration method. Lateral force microscopy performed with carefully maintained low-adhesion probes shows evidence of elastic straining of graphene edges. Estimates of the energy stored of this observed elastic response is consistent with out-of-plane bending of the graphene edge.

Original languageEnglish
Article number035417
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume87
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 22 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Friction, adhesion, and elasticity of graphene edges'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this