Graphene-mediated stabilization of surface facets on metal substrates

After Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), faceted structures are routinely observed on a variety of metal catalyst surfaces in the graphene-covered regions. In spite having its bare surface flattened through high diffusivity and pre-melting at temperatures, copper still presents structures. Using atomistic simulations, we show role graphene preservation morphology graphene–copper interface, manifesting as suppressant against melting surface-specific diffusion. The results our molecular dynamics simulations consistent with experimental observations demonstrate thermo-mechanical interfacial stabilization graphene. Our study provides an understanding applicable to most metal–graphene interfaces is especially relevant metallic catalysts for growth by CVD. Understanding interaction between structure critical producing ultra-flat defect-free