Spintronic properties of zigzag-edged triangular graphene flakes

We investigate quantum transport properties of triangular graphene flakes with zigzag edges by using first principles calculations. Triangular graphene flakes have large magnetic moments which vary with the number of hydrogen atoms terminating its edge atoms and scale with its size. Electronic transmission and current-voltage characteristics of these flakes, when contacted with metallic electrodes, reveal spin valve and remarkable rectification features. The transition from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic state under bias voltage can, however, terminate the spin polarizing effects for specific flakes. Geometry and size dependent transport properties of graphene flakes may be crucial for spintronic nanodevice applications. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3489919]