One-dimensional magnetic conduction channels across zigzag graphene nanoribbon/Hexagonal boron nitride heterojunctions
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Pizzochero, Michele
Tepliakov, Nikita V
Lischner, Johannes
Mostofi, Arash A
Kaxiras, Efthimios
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We examine the electronic structure of recently fabricated in-plane heterojunctions of zigzag graphene nanoribbons embedded in hexagonal boron nitride. We focus on hitherto unexplored interface configurations in which both edges of the nanoribbon are bonded to the same chemical species, either boron or nitrogen atoms. Using ab initio and mean-field Hubbard model calculations, we reveal the emergence of one-dimensional magnetic conducting channels at these interfaces. These channels originate from the energy shift of the magnetic interface states that is induced by charge transfer between the nanoribbon and hexagonal boron nitride. We further address the response of these heterojunctions to external electric and magnetic fields, demonstrating the tunability of energy and spin splittings in the electronic structure. Our findings establish that zigzag graphene nanoribbon/hexagonal boron nitride heterojunctions are a suitable platform for exploring and engineering spin transport in the atomically thin limit, with potential applications in integrated spintronic devices.
Date Issued
2024-06-05
Date Acceptance
2024-05-22
Citation
Nano Letters: a journal dedicated to nanoscience and nanotechnology, 2024, 24 (22), pp.6521-6528
ISSN
1530-6984
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
6521
End Page
6528
Journal / Book Title
Nano Letters: a journal dedicated to nanoscience and nanotechnology
Volume
24
Issue
22
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2024 American Chemical Society. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38788172
Subjects
graphene
heterostructures
magnetism
spintronics
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2024-05-24