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Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications

Thesis (PhD (Physics))--University of Pretoria, 2025.

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Other Authors: Mapasha, Refilwe Edwin
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2025
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Mapasha, Refilwe Edwin
author_browse Mapasha, Refilwe Edwin
author_facet Mapasha, Refilwe Edwin
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Thesis (PhD (Physics))--University of Pretoria, 2025.
format Thesis
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institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
language English
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:39:05.410Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2025
publishDateRange 2025
publishDateSort 2025
publisher University of Pretoria
publisherStr University of Pretoria
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source_str UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/102923 Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications Mapasha, Refilwe Edwin pingaton74@gmail.com Mapingire, Hezekia Density functional theory Density of States (DOS) Graphane Band gap Quantum ESPRESSO package point defect N-V complex (Nitrogen-Vacancy) Thesis (PhD (Physics))--University of Pretoria, 2025. In this contribution, we present a detailed analysis of the effects of the presence of substitutional nitrogen-vacancy complexes in the two-dimensional material- graphane. We critically examine the derived formation energies, transition energy levels and U-parameters. In order to do this, we commence by systematically characterizing substitutional nitrogen point defects of the form NC, NH and NCH in graphane. We also do a detailed investigation of vacancy point defects of the type VC, VH and VCH in this graphene derivative two-dimensional material. We comprehensively derive the formation energies of these point defects giving the material science research community invaluable information about the stability aspects of these point defects in graphane. This investigation extends to fundamental aspects of density of states, defect level diagrams and activation energies, leading to a deeper understanding of the stability landscape of the point defects as well as the host material at play. In the second part of this investigation, we thoroughly examine the intricate relationship that exist when we combine these point defects to form the nitrogen-vacancy complexes of the form NCVH, NCVCH, NCHVH and NCHVCH. We unravel the paramount information and the subtle influences that nitrogen-vacancy complexes have on graphane. We meticulously explore the fundamental effects of the presence of nitrogen-vacancy complexes on the structural and electronic properties of hydrogenated graphene. Our detailed analysis provides a pivotal groundwork on the potential applications of point defect modified graphane in nanotechnology. Information on the defect energy levels are scrutinized to unravel the electronic dynamics while the calculated defect induced band gaps offer valuable insights into graphane’s potential applications in band gap engineering as well as in quantum computing. Furthermore, this investigation sheds light on the intricate stability patterns of point defect modified graphane. Our findings contribute to the critical comprehension of the interplay that exist between fundamental defect parameters of formation energies, defect transition energy levels, U-parameters as well as binding energies. Our results are of critical importance in terms of paving the way for technological advancement in the use of two-dimensional materials for nano-technology applications University of Pretoria Postgraduate Funding Physics PhD (Physics) Unrestricted Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences SDG-04: Quality Education 2025-06-23T10:31:55Z 2025-06-23T10:31:55Z 2025-09 2025-02 Thesis * S2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/102923 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25403/UPresearchdata.29294342.v1 en © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle Density functional theory
Density of States (DOS)
Graphane
Band gap
Quantum ESPRESSO package point defect
N-V complex (Nitrogen-Vacancy)
Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications
title Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications
title_full Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications
title_fullStr Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications
title_full_unstemmed Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications
title_short Computational insights into charged dopant-vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications
title_sort computational insights into charged dopant vacancy defect complexes in graphane for nanotechnology applications
topic Density functional theory
Density of States (DOS)
Graphane
Band gap
Quantum ESPRESSO package point defect
N-V complex (Nitrogen-Vacancy)
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/102923