Geometric and Electronic Properties of Graphene Nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique geometric and electrical characteristics. GNRs are narrow strips of graphene that come in different widths and edge geometries, leading to unique electrical band structures. The electrical characteristics of GNRs are determined by their width; thinner ribbons exhibit semiconductor behavior, while broader ones exhibit metallic behavior. Moreover, the specific configuration of the boundaries of GNRs plays a crucial role in determining their electrical characteristics, resulting in the emergence of edge states and localized electronic states. Hence, the existence of these boundary states significantly influences the collective electronic properties of GNRs, including conductivity, band gap, and transport characteristics. Furthermore, structural characteristics of GNRs can birth to distinctive physical phenomena, such as edge magnetism and edge-induced spin polarization. Modifying the shape or size of GNRs is thought to provide significant potential for customizing their electrical properties, hence creating opportunities for innovative nanoelectronic devices with improved performance.