A metallic graphene layer adsorbed with lithium

We found, by density functional calculation, that lithium atoms can be bonded to a graphene layer alternately on both sides by distorting the relative positions of the carbon atoms in the honeycomb lattice. Compared to the recently synthesized graphane by hydrogenation in which each carbon is pulled out of the plane by hydrogen, the carbon is pushed off instead by the attached lithium. And, surprisingly, the counterintuitive structure is a conductor. This should give consequences to its application in lithium storage.