EPL, 85 (2009) 46002
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/85/46002

Rippling of graphene

R. C. Thompson-Flagg, M. J. B. Moura and M. Marder

Center for Nonlinear Dynamics and Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX, USA

marder@mail.utexas.edu

received 4 November 2008; accepted in final form 9 February 2009; published February 2009
published online 10 March 2009

Abstract
We show that ripples observed in free-standing graphene sheets can be explained as a consequence of adsorbed OH molecules sitting on random sites. The adsorbates cause the bonds between carbon atoms to lengthen slightly. Static buckles then result from a mechanism like the one that leads to buckling of leaves. Buckles caused by roughly 20% coverage of adsorbates are consistent with experimental observations.

PACS
62.20.mq - Buckling.
63.22.Dc - Free films.
68.35.Ct - Interface structure and roughness.

© EPLA 2009