Topological phase transition in chiral graphene nanoribbons: from edge bands to end states

Jingcheng Li, Sofia Sanz, Nestor Merino-Díez, Manuel Vilas-Varela, Aran Garcia-Lekue, Martina Corso, Dimas G. de Oteyza (), Thomas Frederiksen (), Diego Peña () and Jose Ignacio Pascual ()
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Jingcheng Li: CIC nanoGUNE-BRTA
Sofia Sanz: Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC)
Nestor Merino-Díez: CIC nanoGUNE-BRTA
Manuel Vilas-Varela: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Aran Garcia-Lekue: Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC)
Martina Corso: Centro de Física de Materiales MPC (CSIC-UPV/EHU)
Dimas G. de Oteyza: Centro de Física de Materiales MPC (CSIC-UPV/EHU)
Thomas Frederiksen: Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC)
Diego Peña: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Jose Ignacio Pascual: CIC nanoGUNE-BRTA

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Precise control over the size and shape of graphene nanostructures allows engineering spin-polarized edge and topological states, representing a novel source of non-conventional π-magnetism with promising applications in quantum spintronics. A prerequisite for their emergence is the existence of robust gapped phases, which are difficult to find in extended graphene systems. Here we show that semi-metallic chiral GNRs (chGNRs) narrowed down to nanometer widths undergo a topological phase transition. We fabricated atomically precise chGNRs of different chirality and size by on surface synthesis using predesigned molecular precursors. Combining scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements and theory simulations, we follow the evolution of topological properties and bulk band gap depending on the width, length, and chirality of chGNRs. Our findings represent a new platform for producing topologically protected spin states and demonstrate the potential of connecting chiral edge and defect structure with band engineering.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25688-z

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