Doping graphene by adsorption of polar molecules at the oxidized zigzag edges

Abstract

We have theoretically investigated the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene whose zigzag edges are oxidized. The alteration of these properties by adsorption of $\mathrm{H_{2}O}$ and $\mathrm{NH_3}$ molecules have been considered. It was found that the adsorbed molecules form a cluster along the oxidized zigzag edges of graphene due to interaction with the electro-negative oxygen. Graphene tends to donate a charge to the adsorbates through the oxygen atoms and the efficiency of donation depends on the intermolecular distance and on the location of the adsorbed molecules relative to the plane of graphene. It was found that by appropriate selection of the adsorbates, a controllable and gradual growth of $p$-doping in graphene with a variety of adsorbed molecules can be achieved.