Adsorption of monovalent metal atoms on graphene: a theoretical approach

This work investigates, using first-principles calculations, electronic and structural properties of hydrogen, lithium, sodium, potassium and rubidium that are adsorbed, in a regular pattern, on a graphene surface. The results for H-graphene (graphane) and Li-graphene were compared with previous calculations. The present results do not support previous claims that the Li-C bond in such a layer would result in an sp(2) to an sp(3) transition of carbon orbitals, being more compatible with some ionic character for the covalent bond and with lithium acting as an electron acceptor in a bridging environment. Calculations were also performed for the Na, K, and Rb-graphene systems, resulting in a similar electronic behaviour but with a more pronounced ionic character than for Li-graphene. Energy calculations indicate the possible stability of such ad-graphene layers, with only the Li-graphene being possible to be spontaneously obtained.