Transition-Metal Effects on the Electronic Dirac Cone in Intercalated Bilayer Graphene

In this study, we examined the affect of intercalated transition-metal atoms on the electronic properties of bilayer graphene. Through a comparison of single, double, and triple layer graphene, we set out to investigate the integrity of the Dirac cone with the substitution of Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni. Using density functional theory, we calculated and analyzed the electronic structure for each material. Contrary to expectations, the Dirac cone was not destroyed by the presence of transition-metal atoms, but experiences a shift in the chemical potential that, in turn, lowers the Dirac cone by about 1 eV. Therefore, it may be possible to produce a spintronic device that couples to d Dirac symmetries.