Investigating the diffusion of an atom on the graphene lattice

Authors

  • Gerard Antonio Leonardo Mactal ⋅ PH National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Cristine Villagonzalo ⋅ PH National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman

Abstract

Atomic-scale surface diffusion in graphene is of recent interest to determine the viability of single-atom catalysts in functionalized graphene materials. To model such behavior, we study the random walk behavior of an atom in graphene using mean square displacement (MSD). Without the presence of a driving force, the atom performing a random walk on the graphene lattice would expect to follow linear Brownian motion. We confirm this linear behavior by measuring its mean square displacement (MSD). As the atom was given a driving force, the relationship between MSD and time steps begin to follow the properties of anomalous diffusion. The highest values of α was obtained when the atom was restricted to the first six nearest neighbors while the highest diffusion coeffcient Dα was obtained when the atom is free to move to all lattice sites. The power-law relationship between MSD and time step can be controlled and serve as a precursor in understanding how the metal atom diffuses on graphene-oxide support.

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Issue

Article ID

SPP-2018-PB-04

Section

Poster Session B (Complex Systems, Simulations, and Theoretical Physics)

Published

2018-05-19

How to Cite

[1]
GAL Mactal and C Villagonzalo, Investigating the diffusion of an atom on the graphene lattice, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 36, SPP-2018-PB-04 (2018). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2018-PB-04.