Abstract
Embedding non-hexagonal rings into sp2-hybridized carbon networks is considered a promising strategy to enrich the family of low-dimensional graphenic structures. However, non-hexagonal rings are energetically unstable compared to the hexagonal counterparts, making it challenging to embed non-hexagonal rings into carbon-based nanostructures in a controllable manner. Here, we report an on-surface synthesis of graphene-like nanoribbons with periodically embedded four- and eight-membered rings. The scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy study revealed that four- and eight-membered rings are formed between adjacent perylene backbones with a planar configuration. The non-hexagonal rings as a topological modification markedly change the electronic properties of the nanoribbons. The highest occupied and lowest unoccupied ribbon states are mainly distributed around the eight- and four-membered rings, respectively. The realization of graphene-like nanoribbons comprising non-hexagonal rings demonstrates a controllable route to fabricate non-hexagonal rings in nanoribbons and makes it possible to unveil their unique properties induced by non-hexagonal rings.
Highlights
Embedding non-hexagonal rings into sp2-hybridized carbon networks is considered a promising strategy to enrich the family of low-dimensional graphenic structures
The ‘bottom-up’ approach based on the on-surface synthesis from predefined precursor molecules has the advantage to precisely control the edge structure and width[4,5,6,7]
The atomic structure and electronic properties have been investigated by non-contact atomic force microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations
Summary
Embedding non-hexagonal rings into sp2-hybridized carbon networks is considered a promising strategy to enrich the family of low-dimensional graphenic structures. A number of strategies have been developed for the preparation of GNRs. Among them, the ‘bottom-up’ approach based on the on-surface synthesis from predefined precursor molecules has the advantage to precisely control the edge structure and width[4,5,6,7]. The ‘bottom-up’ approach based on the on-surface synthesis from predefined precursor molecules has the advantage to precisely control the edge structure and width[4,5,6,7] In this way, the electronic and magnetic properties, such as band gap and spinpolarized edge states, can be readily tuned[8,9,10]. We report the on-surface synthesis and electronic properties of graphene-like nanoribbons with periodically embedded four- and eight-membered rings. The atomic structure and electronic properties have been investigated by non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM), scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations
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