  The on-surface synthesis of nano-graphenes has led the charge in prototyping
structures with perspectives beyond silicon-based technology. Following reports
of open-shell systems in graphene-nanoribbons (GNR), a flurry of research
activities is directed at investigating their magnetic properties with a keen
eye for spintronic applications. Although the synthesis of nano-graphenes is
usually straightforward on gold, it is difficult to use it for electronic
decoupling and spin-polarized measurements. Using a binary alloy Cu3Au(111), we
show how to combine the efficient gold-like nano-graphene formation with spin
polarization and electronic decoupling known from copper. We prepare copper
oxide layers, demonstrate thermally and tip-assisted synthesis of GNR and grow
thermally stable magnetic Co islands. We functionalize the tip of a scanning
tunneling microscope with carbon-monoxide, nickelocene, or attach Co clusters
for high-resolution imaging, magnetic sensing, or spin-polarized measurements.
This versatile platform will be a valuable tool in the advanced study of
magnetic nano-graphenes.
