Laser-Induced Covalent Defunctionalization of Graphene — Precise Patterning and Site-Selective Removal of Functional Groups

Nagel T, Gerein K, Hauke F, Hirsch A (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

DOI: 10.1002/advs.202511481

Abstract

In this study, for the first time, site-selective defunctionalization concepts for structuring and reusing covalently patterned monolayer graphene are reported. Using a laser-activated precursor deposition approach with dibenzoyl peroxide (DBPO), phenyl moieties are covalently grafted onto graphene with high spatial precision. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy reveals that functionalization is fully reversible, with lattice-scale defunctionalization occurring at 225 °C, independent of the initial functionalization degree. By applying high-power laser irradiation (λexc. = 532 nm) the covalent addends can be selectively removed with high local control, as confirmed by Raman mapping and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). This photothermal process enables a lateral defunctionalization resolution of ≈0.5 µm. Importantly, it is demonstrated that “erased” regions can be successfully refunctionalized using a second laser “writing” sequence, achieving highly reproducible functionalization levels. The ability to iteratively “write,” “erase,” and “rewrite” covalent functionalities with a precise control of the grafting pattern establishes graphene as a promising platform for chemically tunable, high-resolution 2D data storage.

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How to cite

APA:

Nagel, T., Gerein, K., Hauke, F., & Hirsch, A. (2025). Laser-Induced Covalent Defunctionalization of Graphene — Precise Patterning and Site-Selective Removal of Functional Groups. Advanced Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202511481

MLA:

Nagel, Tamara, et al. "Laser-Induced Covalent Defunctionalization of Graphene — Precise Patterning and Site-Selective Removal of Functional Groups." Advanced Science (2025).

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