Graphite-like thin sheets with even-numbered layers

The graphite-like thin sheets (GLSs) used in this study were prepared by laser ablation of graphite in argon gas. The obtained GLSs were neat, untouched and free-standing. We discovered a new phenomenon with them: even layer numbers (2, 4, 6, and 8) preferentially formed, and their population decreased as the layer number increased. This suggests a new growth mechanism in which single-layer GLSs bend to form bi-layers, and the bi-layers then pile up to form thicker GLSs. The inter-layer distances for bi-layers were about 15% larger than that of bulk graphite, and they approached the bulk value as the layer number increased.