Revolutionary Method Developed to Engineer Defects in Graphene

Researchers from the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with the University of Warwick and Diamond Light Source, have developed a novel method to produce graphene with intentionally engineered structural defects. By utilizing a molecule called azupyrene, which mimics the desired defect structure, they achieved a single-step process to grow graphene-like films rich in 5–7 ring defects. These imperfections enhance the material's interactivity, magnetic properties, and electronic versatility, potentially revolutionizing applications in electronics, sensors, and catalysts. The findings were published in Chemical Science on September 19, 2025.

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, is renowned for its exceptional strength, electrical conductivity, and flexibility. However, its perfect structure can limit interactions with other materials, posing challenges for certain applications. Introducing specific structural defects into graphene can enhance its chemical reactivity, magnetic properties, and electronic versatility, making it more suitable for use in sensors, catalysts, and electronic devices.

The research team developed a single-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process using azupyrene, a molecule whose topology mimics the desired 5–7 ring defects in graphene. By adjusting the growth temperature during the CVD process, they achieved precise control over the concentration of these defects, resulting in graphene-like films with enhanced properties. Their findings were published in Chemical Science on September 9, 2025.

The researchers demonstrated that using azupyrene as a precursor allows for the incorporation of 5–7 ring defects into the graphene lattice. These defects can be controlled by varying the substrate temperature during the CVD process, with higher temperatures yielding structures closer to pristine graphene.

The introduction of these defects makes the graphene more interactive with other materials, improving its suitability as a catalyst and enhancing its gas detection capabilities for sensor applications. Additionally, the defects alter the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene, potentially benefiting the semiconductor industry.

The defective graphene films can be transferred onto various surfaces while retaining their engineered defects, a crucial step toward integrating these materials into practical devices.

This research was a result of international collaboration, utilizing advanced microscopy and spectroscopy tools at Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire and MAX IV in Sweden. Computational simulations were conducted using the UK national supercomputer ARCHER2. The interdisciplinary approach combined expertise from the UK, Germany, and Sweden to study the atomic structure and properties of the defective graphene.

The ability to engineer specific defects in graphene opens new avenues for its application in various fields:

• Electronics: Tailoring the electronic properties of graphene through defect engineering could lead to the development of more efficient semiconductors and electronic components.

• Sensors: Enhanced interaction with gases makes defective graphene an excellent candidate for sensitive and selective gas sensors.

• Catalysis: The increased reactivity due to structural defects can improve the performance of graphene-based catalysts in chemical reactions.

David Duncan, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham and one of the lead authors, stated:

"Our study explores a new way to make graphene... It interacts weakly with other materials and lacks crucial electronic properties required in the semiconductor industry. Usually defects in material are seen as problems or mistakes that reduce performance, we have used them intentionally to add functionality."

Professor Reinhard Maurer from the University of Warwick added:

"By carefully choosing the starting molecule and the growth conditions, we’ve shown it’s possible to grow graphene in which imperfections can be introduced in a more controlled way."

This advancement in defect-engineered graphene production represents a significant step toward the practical application of graphene in various technologies. By turning structural imperfections into advantages, researchers have paved the way for more versatile and efficient materials in electronics, sensing, and catalysis.