On the existence of Si–C double bonded graphene-like layers

Upon analyzing an earlier experimental study by density-functional theory we have shown that graphene-like SiC layers can exist. We found that, for a particular stacking sequence, SiC double bond was responsible for the much larger interlayer distances observed in synthesized multi-walled SiC nanotubes. The Si/C ratios in SiC layers determine the extent of interlayer distances and bonding nature. It has been also shown that for some intermediate ratios of Si:C and/or with other stacking sequences, a collapse of SiC layers to tetrahedrally bonded system is possible. We have argued that these synthesized SiC double-bonded multi-wall silicon-carbide nanotubes may provide a pathway for future realization of SiC graphene-like materials.