Nanomechanics of Graphene, Silicene and Boron Nitride ribbons: From honeycomb structure to atomic chains

This first-principles study of elastic and plastic deformation of graphene, silicene and boron nitride (BN) honeycomb nanoribbons under uniaxial tension reveals interesting features. In the course of stretching, the electronic and magnetic properties can be strongly modified. Under plastic deformation, the honeycomb structure changes irreversibly and offers a number of new structures and functionalities. Interesting cage like structures, even suspended atomic chains, a truly one-dimensional system offering unique mechanical, electronic and transport properties, can be derived between two honeycomb flakes. Present work elaborates on the recent experiments by Jin \textit{et al.,} Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{102}, 205501 (2009) deriving carbon chains from graphene and furthermore predicts the similar formation of BN and Si atomic chains.