Pb intercalation underneath a graphene layer on Ru(0001) and its effect on graphene oxidation

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2011 Oct 6;13(37):16655-60. doi: 10.1039/c1cp21843c. Epub 2011 Aug 18.

Abstract

Intercalation of Pb at graphene/Ru(0001) interfaces has been dynamically observed using in situ low energy electron microscopy and photoemission electron microscopy. A comparative study of Pb intercalation on the submonolayer and complete monolayer graphene surfaces suggest that the Pb intercalation happens through the open edges of graphene islands, starting at around 150 °C. Spatially-resolved low energy electron diffraction measurements reveal that the Pb-intercalated graphene overlayers are quasi-free-standing. The intercalated graphene sheets show lower reactivity to oxidation in O(2).