Sublattice localized electronic states in atomically resolved graphene-Pt (111) edge-boundaries

Understanding the connection of graphene with metal surfaces is a necessary step for developing atomically precise graphene-based technology. Combining high-resolution STM experiments and DFT calculations, we have unambiguously unveiled the atomic structure of the boundary between a graphene zigzag edge and a Pt(111) step. The graphene edges minimize their strain by inducing a 3-fold edge-reconstruction on the metal side. We show the existence of an unoccupied electronic state that is mostly localized on the C-edge atoms of one particular graphene sublattice, which could have implications in the design of graphene based devices. © 2014 American Chemical Society.We acknowledge financial support from Spanish Grants MAT2010-17720, MAT2011-23627, MAT2011-26534, CSD2008-00041, CSD2010-00024, PLE2009-0061 (MINECO, Spain) and S2009/MAT-1467 (CAM, Spain). The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant agreement No. 604391 Graphene Flagship. P.P. and P.M. were supported by the Ramón y Cajal and “Rafael Calvo Rodés” programs, respectively.Peer Reviewe