Size-dependent evolution of graphene nanopores under thermal excitation

Abstract

Graphene nanopores expand when pore diameter is larger than membrane thickness after heat treatment; otherwise, nanopore size shrinks. Such size-dependent evolutionary mechanism of nanopores is considered as thermal-induced migration of uncombined carbon atoms. The amount of carbon adatoms determines the extent of diameter change. This could provide an applicable strategy for nanopore fabrication.

Keywords: graphene; nanomanipulation; nanopores; size-dependent evolution.