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

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 $\pi$-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: only armchair graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) show a band gap that, however, closes for any other GNR orientation. Here we show that semi-metallic chiral GNRs (chGNRs) narrowed down to nanometer widths undergoes a topological phase transition, becoming first topological insulators, and transforming then into trivial band insulators for the narrowest chGNRs. We fabricated atomically precise chGNRs of different chirality and size by on surface synthesis using predesigned molecular precursors. Combining scanning tunnelling 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. The first emerging gapped phases are topological, protected by a chiral interaction pattern between edges. For narrower ribbons, the symmetry of the interaction pattern changes, and the topological gap closes and re-opens again as a trivial band insulator. Our findings represent a new platform for producing topologically protected spin states and demonstrates the potential of connecting chiral edge and defect structure with band engineering.