Cobalt intercalation at the graphene/iridium(111) interface: influence of rotational domains, wrinkles and atomic steps

Sergio Vlaic (1) , Amina Kimouche (1) , Johann Coraux (1) , B. Santos (2) , A. Locatelli (2) , Nicolas Rougemaille (3)

1 NEEL - Quan2m - Interactions modulables dans des états quantiques 2D
2 Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste
3 NEEL - MNM - Micro et NanoMagnétisme

Using low-energy electron microscopy, we study Co intercalation under graphene grown on Ir(111). Depending on the rotational domain of graphene on which it is deposited, Co is found intercalated at different locations. While intercalated Co is observed preferentially at the substrate step edges below certain rotational domains, it is mostly found close to wrinkles below other domains. These results indicate that curved regions (near substrate atomic steps and wrinkles) of the graphene sheet facilitate Co intercalation and suggest that the strength of the graphene/Ir interaction determines which pathway is energetically more favorable.

Domaines: Science des matériaux [cond-mat.mtrl-sci]

Sergio Vlaic, Amina Kimouche, Johann Coraux, B. Santos, A. Locatelli, et al.. Cobalt intercalation at the graphene/iridium(111) interface: influence of rotational domains, wrinkles and atomic steps. Applied Physics Letters, 2014, 104 (10), pp.101602. ⟨10.1063/1.4868119⟩. ⟨hal-00959682⟩