Barrier-guided growth of micro- and nano-structured graphene.

A novel approach for the rational synthesis of low-defect density, patterned graphene from the bottom up, called barrier-guided chemical vapor deposition, is introduced. A patterned barrier layer impedes the growth of graphene in selected areas of the copper substrate, guiding the growth of graphene into desired micro- and nano- structures with control over placement, orientation, and spatial and lateral extent.