  Here we present an overview of recent fundamental studies on the nature of
the interaction between individual metal atoms and metal clusters and the
conjugated surfaces of graphene and carbon nanotube with a particular focus on
the electronic structure and chemical bonding at the metal-graphene interface.
We discuss the relevance of organometallic complexes of graphitic materials to
the development of a fundamental understanding of these interactions and their
application in atomtronics as atomic interconnects, high mobility
organometallic transistor devices, high-frequency electronic devices,
organometallic catalysis (hydrogen fuel generation by photocatalytic water
splitting, fuel cells, hydrogenation), spintronics, memory devices and in the
next generation energy devices. We touch on CVD graphene grown on metals, the
reactivity of its surface, and its use as a template for asymmetric graphene
functionalization chemistry (ultrathin Janus discs). We highlight some of the
latest advances in understanding the nature of interactions between metals and
graphene surfaces from the standpoint of metal overlayers deposited on graphene
and SWNT thin films. Finally, we comment on the major challenges facing the
field and the opportunities for technological applications.
