Effect of edge vacancies on localized states in a semi-infinite zigzag graphene sheet

Abstract

The effect of vacancies on the robustness of zero-energy edge electronic states in zigzag-type graphene layer is studied at different concentrations and distributions of defects. All calculations are performed by using the Green’s function method and the tight-binding approximation. It is found that the arrangement of defects plays a crucial role in the destruction of the edge states. We have specified a critical distance between edge vacancies when their mutual influence becomes significant and affects markedly the density of electronic states at graphene edge.