Circumventing the stability problems of graphene nanoribbon zigzag edges

0566656 - FZÚ 2023 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Lawrence, J. - Berdonces-Layunta, A. - Edalatmanesh, Shayan - Castro-Esteban, J. - Wang, T. - Jimenez-Martin, Alejandro - De La Torre Cerdeño, Bruno - Castrillo-Bodero, R. - Angulo-Portugal, P. - Mohammed, M.S.G. - Matěj, Adam - Vilas-Varela, M. - Schiller, F. - Corso, M. - Jelínek, Pavel - Pena, D. - de Oteyza, D.G.
Circumventing the stability problems of graphene nanoribbon zigzag edges.
Nature Chemistry. Roč. 14, č. 12 (2022), s. 1451-1458. ISSN 1755-4330. E-ISSN 1755-4349
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GX20-13692X
Grant - others:AV ČR(CZ) AP1601
Program: Akademická prémie - Praemium Academiae
Research Infrastructure: CzechNanoLab - 90110
Institutional support: RVO:68378271
Keywords : graphene nanoribons * SPM * on-surface synthesis * DFT
OECD category: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.)
Impact factor: 21.8, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Limited access
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-022-01042-8

Carbon nanostructures with zigzag edges exhibit unique properties—such as localized electronic states and spins—with exciting potential applications. Such nanostructures however are generally synthesized under vacuum because their zigzag edges are unstable under ambient conditions: a barrier that must be surmounted to achieve their scalable integration into devices for practical purposes. Here we show two chemical protection/deprotection strategies, demonstrated on labile, air-sensitive chiral graphene nanoribbons. Upon hydrogenation, the chiral graphene nanoribbons survive exposure to air, after which they are easily converted back to their original structure by annealing. We also approach the problem from another angle by synthesizing a form of the chiral graphene nanoribbons that is functionalized with ketone side groups. This oxidized form is chemically stable and can be converted to the pristine hydrocarbon form by hydrogenation and annealing. In both cases, the deprotected chiral graphene nanoribbons regain electronic properties similar to those of the pristine nanoribbons. We believe both approaches may be extended to other graphene nanoribbons and carbon-based nanostructures.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0337987