Step geometry–guided growth of rhombohedral graphene

M Mengze Zhao (State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.) Z Zhibin Zhang (State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.) X Xin Sui Q Quanlin Guo (State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.) C Cheng Qian (Suzhou Laboratory, Suzhou, China.) Z Zaizhe Zhang H Hanbo Xiao (School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.) J Jingyi Zhu Z Zuo Feng (State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.) Y Yilong You (State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.) T Tianze Dong (State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.) X Xin-Zheng Li (State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.) S Sheng Wang L Li Wang (The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital Zhengzhou China) E Enge Wang (Interdisciplinary Institute of Light-Element Quantum Materials and Research Centre for Light-Element Advanced Materials, Peking University, Beijing, China.) F Feng Ding Z Zhongkai Liu X Xiaobo Lu K Kaihui Liu

Abstract

Rhombohedral (ABC)–stacked graphene has emerged as a platform for exploring correlated and topological physics. However, its large-scale, pure-phase synthesis has been hindered by intrinsic thermodynamic metastability and kinetic instability. In this work, we introduce a step geometry–guided epitaxial strategy to deterministically control interlayer slip, enabling the synthesis of pure-phase rhombohedral graphene. Using this approach, we obtained pure (phase purity > 99%) rhombohedral graphene with an area reaching 160 micrometers by 80 micrometers and thickness ranging from ~15 layers to ~120 nanometers. The resulting samples establish the first comprehensive reference dataset of Raman fingerprints and intrinsic band structures from few-layer films to ~200-layer bulk. Electronic transport measurements reveal a layer-antiferromagnetic state and the quantum anomalous Hall effect, enabling scalable exploration of next-generation quantum science and technology applications.

Article Details

Journal Science
Volume / Issue Vol. 393, Issue 6809
Published July 23, 2026
Pages 422-427
ISSN 0036-8075
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science

Journal Info

Science

American Association for the Advancement of Science

ISSN: 0036-8075 Social Sciences

Authors (19)

M

Mengze Zhao

State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Z

Zhibin Zhang

State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.

X

Xin Sui

Q

Quanlin Guo

State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.

C

Cheng Qian

Suzhou Laboratory, Suzhou, China.

Z

Zaizhe Zhang

H

Hanbo Xiao

School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.

J

Jingyi Zhu

Z

Zuo Feng

State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Y

Yilong You

State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.

T

Tianze Dong

State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.

X

Xin-Zheng Li

State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, Frontiers Science Centre for Nano-optoelectronics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.

S

Sheng Wang

L

Li Wang

The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital Zhengzhou China

E

Enge Wang

Interdisciplinary Institute of Light-Element Quantum Materials and Research Centre for Light-Element Advanced Materials, Peking University, Beijing, China.

F

Feng Ding

Z

Zhongkai Liu

X

Xiaobo Lu

K

Kaihui Liu