Theoretical physics at low temperatures allows us to learn about the fundamental properties of materials at nanoscale dimensions. This work focuses on the interaction between a hydrogen atom and a graphene sheet. We calculated the physisorption rate of atomic hydrogen at normal incidence onto graphene using Fermi's Golden Rule. The calculation shows a bound state energy of -24.9 meV. Over the range of incident energies considered (1-10 meV), we find that the sticking probability decreases as the incident energy of the hydrogen atom is increased. The work was performed as part of the REU on Complex Materials at the University of Vermont under the supervision of Dennis Clougherty.

Investigating the sticking of hydrogen on graphene

245th National Meeting (2013)

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