Vacancy mediated clipping of multi-layered graphene: A precursor for 1, 2 and 3D carbon structures

Using first principles calculations, we show that the overlapping defects in bi-layer graphene (both AA- and AB-stacked) interact forming inter-layer covalent bonds, giving rise to two-dimensional (2D) clipped structures, without explicit use of functional groups. These clipped structures can be transformed into one-dimensional (1D) double wall nanotubes (DWCNT) or multi-layered three dimensional (3D) bulk structures. These clipped structures show good mechanical strength due to covalent bonding between multi-layers. Clipping also provides a unique way to simultaneously harness the conductivity of both walls of a double wall nanotube through covalently bonded scattering junctions. With additional conducting channels and improved mechanical stability, these clipped structures can lead to a myriad of applications in novel devices.