Mechanically robust tri-wing graphene nanoribbons with tunable electronic and magnetic properties

Inspired by strong mechanical stability of "Y"-shaped beams for building construction, we design a new class of quasi-one-dimensional graphene nanostructures, namely, the tri-wing graphene (TWG) nanoribbons. Not only a TWG possesses significantly augmented mechanical stability against torsional and compression forces, but also each wing of the TWG can retain independent electronic properties of the constituent graphene nanoribbons. As such, by tailoring the wing structures, the TWGs can provide broader property tunability for nanoelectronic application. In addition, zigzag-edged TWG is a metallic ferromagnet with a large magnetic moment. By decorating its edges with suitable chemical functional groups, a TWG can be converted to a half metal for potential spintronic applications.