We address the energetic stability of the graphene/SiC(0001) interface and the associated binding mechanism by studying a series of low-strain commensurate interface structures within a density functional scheme. Among the structures with negligible strain, the 6\surd3\times6\surd3 R30{\deg} SiC periodicity shows the lowest interface energy, providing a rationale for its frequent experimental observation. The interface stability is driven by the enhanced local reactivity of the substrate-bonded graphene atoms undergoing sp2-to-sp3 rehybridization (pyramidalization). By this mechanism, relaxed structures of higher stability exhibit more pronounced graphene corrugations at the atomic scale.
@article{arxiv.1205.4848,
title = {Carbon rehybridization at the graphene/SiC(0001) interface: Effect on stability and atomic-scale corrugation},
author = {Gabriele Sclauzero and Alfredo Pasquarello},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1205.4848},
year = {2012}
}