Abstract

We study the band structure, density of states, and spatial localization of edge states in twisted bilayer graphene nanoribbons. We devise these ribbons by cutting a stripe of commensurate twisted bilayer graphene along a direction with a maximum number of zigzag edge atoms. Due to the spatially inhomogeneous interlayer coupling, edge states stemming from regions with AB stacking are closer to the energy of the Dirac point, whereas those arising from AA-stacked edge states are split in energy due to the stronger interlayer coupling. As opposed to bulk bilayer graphene, for which states near the Dirac point are localized in AA-stacked regions, the interplay of edge and moire localization produces a distinct spatial distribution of low-energy states in these ribbons.