Magnetism of two-dimensional triangular nanoflake-based kagome lattices

We report a new method for the design of kagome lattices using zigzag-edged triangular graphene nanoflakes (TGFs) linked with B, C, N or O atoms. Using spin-polarized density functional theory we show that the electronic and magnetic properties of the designed kagome lattices can be modulated by changing their size and the linking atoms. The antiferromagnetic coupling between the two directly linked TGFs becomes ferromagnetic coupling when B, C or N is used as the linking atoms, but not for O atom linking. All the designed structures are semiconductors which can be synthesized from graphene atomic sheets by using electron etching and block copolymer lithography techniques. This study is a good example of how mathematical models can be used to construct magnetic nanostructures involving only s, p elements.