Work function engineering of single layer graphene by irradiation-induced defects

We report the tuning of electrical properties of single layer graphene by α-beam irradiation. As the defect density increases upon irradiation, the surface potential of the graphene changes, as determined by Kelvin probe force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy studies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies indicate that the formation of C/O bonding is promoted as the dose of irradiation increases when at atmospheric conditions. Our results show that the surface potential of the graphene can be engineered by introducing atomic-scale defects via irradiation with high-energy particles.