Evolution of Raman G and G'(2D) Modes in Folded Graphene Layers

Abstract: Bernal- and non-Bernal-stacked graphene layers have been systematically studied by Raman imaging and spectroscopy. Two dominant Raman modes, G and G' (or 2D) of folded graphene layers exhibit three types of spectral features when interlayer lattice mismatches, defined by a rotational angle varies. Among these folded graphene layers, the most interesting one is the folded graphene layers that present an extremely strong G mode enhanced by a twist-induced Van Hove singularity. The evolution of Raman G and G' modes of such folded graphene layers are probed by changing the excitation photon energies. For the first time, doublet splitting of the G' mode in folded double-layer (1 + 1) and of the G mode in folded tetra-layer (2 + 2) graphene are clearly observed and discussed. The G' mode splitting in folded double-layer graphene is attributed to the coexistence of inner and outer scattering processes and the trigonal warping effect as well as further downwards bending of the inner dispersion branch at visible excitation energy. While the two peaks of the G mode in folded tetra-layer graphene are assigned to Raman-active mode (E2g) and lattice mismatch activated infrared-active mode (E1u), which is further verified by the temperature-dependent Raman measurements. Our study provides a summary and thorough understanding of Raman spectra of Bernal- and non-Bernal-stacked graphene layers and further demonstrates the versatility of Raman spectroscopy for exploiting electronic band structures of graphene layers.