Concentration-dependent surface electronic properties and modification of vibrational properties in graphene-hBN nanocomposites.

Graphene opens up the possibility of miniaturization of devices and many new materials follow it after its finding. It possesses remarkable properties such as high electrical conductivity, zero bandgaps etc. However, to harness graphene completely in technological fields, we've to be able to alter its fundamental characteristics in the desired direction. The zero bandgaps metallic character is not suitable for its use in making electronic devices. The work function too should be controlled to make optoelectronic devices and to be used in solar cells. In an attempt to open up its bandgap, we made nanocomposites of hexagonal boron nitride(hBN) and graphene and explored the surface electronic properties and vibrational properties of the same. Besides the opening of bandgap which was detected with Uv-Vis spectroscopy, we perceived that the doping effect comes to play which leaves its sign in Raman spectra and surface potential mapping, that alters its work function too. For the Raman spectroscopy, we've employed Witec model alpha 300 and SKPM(Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy) of KP Technology was used to map the contact potential difference.