Graphene: Synthesis and nanoscale characterization of electronic properties

The research on graphene is probably the topic in condensed matter physics having the fastest and most widespread development nowadays. Impressive results have been obtained during the last six years in the field of material synthesis and in the exploration of fundamental physical properties. This paper reviews the state of the art of graphene synthesis methods. Furthermore, a thorough experimental investigation of the electronic transport properties is presented and the various scattering mechanisms limiting electron mean free path and mobility are discussed. Employing novel scanning probe methods to measure the nanoscale lateral variations of the electron mean free path in graphene on different substates, the role played by electron scattering by charged impurities and by resonant scatterers is clarified.