Healing of Structural Defects in the Topmost Layer of Graphite by Chemical Vapor Deposition

Very recently, Lahiri et al. reported the controlled production of extended line defects in graphene and suggested that such structures might function as metallic wires. [ 16 ] Studies such as these have demonstrated that defect engineering in graphitic systems is a promising approach towards controlling a variety of material properties. Despite this, defects are well-known for their ability to scatter charge carriers and phonons, thereby decreasing the ballistic transport path length and adversely affecting carrier mobility and thermal conductivity. The detrimental effects of defects are particularly pronounced in graphene fi lms. For example, defects were held responsible for a dramatic reduction in charge carrier mobility in graphene fi lms obtained by micromechanical cleavage. [ 17 ] The transport properties of graphene fi lms produced by chemical methods, such as the exfoliation and chemical reduction of graphene oxide platelets, have also been ascribed to defects (introduced by the chemical treatments used). [ 18 ] In this respect, defects are undesirable, and the ability to “heal” them is important for generating carbon nanostructures with high electrical and thermal conductivities and, potentially, enhanced mechanical strength. Improvements in these characteristics are of central importance because the successful realization of graphene-based electronic devices