Electronic states in hybrid boron nitride and graphene structures

The energy bands and electronic states of hybrid boron nitride (BN) and graphene structures are studied by first principle calculations. The electronic states change from semi-metallic to insulating depending on the number of B and N atoms as well as domain symmetry. When there are unequal numbers of B and N atoms, mid-gap states usually appear around the Fermi level and the corresponding hybrid structure possesses magnetic and semi-metallic properties. However, when the numbers of B and N atoms are equal, a band gap exists indicative of a semiconducting or insulating nature which depends on the structural symmetry.