Conversion of Chirality to Twisting via 1D-to-2D Growth of Graphene Spirals

Abstract The properties of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials can be tuned through nanostructuring or controlled layer stacking, where interlayer hybridization induces exotic electronic states and transport phenomena. Here, we describe an assisted self-assembly of twisted layer graphene. The process, which can be implemented in standard chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth, is best described using the analogy to Origami and Kirigami of paper and involves wrinkle formation, folding, tearing, and re-growth. Inherent to the process is the formation of intertwined graphene spirals and conversion of the chiral angle of one-dimensional (1D) wrinkles into a 2D twist angle of a three-dimensional (3D) superlattice. The approach can be extended to other foldable 2D materials and facilitates the production of miniaturized electronic components, including capacitors, resistors, inductors, and super-conductors.