Structural defects in graphene

Abstract Graphene is one of the most promising materials because of its exceptional physicochemical properties. However, the extraordinary properties can only be observed experimentally in graphene samples with high lattice perfection. Structural defects are introduced into the lattice inevitably during growth or by physicochemical treatment, which may significantly degrade the properties of graphene and then deteriorate the performance of graphene-based devices. Both the configuration, density and the distribution of defects play a significant role in property modification, but such modifications may achieve new functionalities then broaden graphene materials’ applications in nanodevices. This chapter tries to list several simple structural defects from zero-dimensional point defects to one-dimensional line defects to stacking faults in bilayer graphene. Particular emphasis is put on their atomic structure and the transformation between different configurations, their influence on the physicochemical properties of graphene. Some potential applications based on defective graphene are also discussed.