Researchers design a novel method for modifying the structure and properties of graphene

An international research team from China, France, Canada, Denmark and the UK has demonstrated a novel process to modify the structure and properties of graphene. This chemical reaction, known as photocycloaddition, modifies the bonds between atoms using ultraviolet light.

The researchers demonstrated a spatially selective photocycloaddition reaction of a two-dimensional molecular network with defect-free basal plane of single-layer graphene. The cycloaddition is triggered by ultraviolet irradiation in ultrahigh vacuum, requiring no aid of the graphene Moiré pattern. This work could open the door to designing and engineering graphene-based optoelectronic and microelectronic devices.