(Invited) Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons: From Synthesis to Applications

Abstract

Atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are at the forefront of nanocarbon research and hold great promise for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Theoretical studies have shown that narrow GNRs possess interesting electronic and magnetic properties that strongly depend on the nanoribbon’s width and edge structure. GNRs with different structures can be synthesized with atomic precision and fine-tuned properties by coupling properly designed molecular precursors and planarization of the resulting polymers. In this talk, I will discuss our efforts on designing and synthesizing new atomically precise GNRs for electronic applications. First, I will describe a scalable bottom-up solution approach for atomically precise GNRs that is based on Yamamoto coupling of pre-synthesized molecular precursors followed by cyclodehydrogenation using Scholl reaction. This approch can be applied to the synthesis of a variety of GNRs, including pristine and nitrogen-doped GNRs with the chevron structure. Then, I will demonstrate that the electrical conductivity of atomically precise chevron GNRs can be improved by their lateral extension. Two types of new laterally extended chevron GNRs (eGNRs) were synthesized in solution, and their high structural quality was confirmed by a number of characterization techniques, including high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and Raman spectroscopy combined with a computational analysis. Optical spectroscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy showed that lateral extension of chevron GNRs resulted in the decrease of their electronic bandgap. We developed a procedure for processing eGNRs into uniform thin films that exhibit improved electrical conductivity compared to similar films of regular chevron GNRs. The eGNR films were employed in gas sensors that showed very high responsivity to low molecular weight alcohols compared to similar sensors based on benchmark graphitic materials, such as graphene and graphene oxide. Finally, we demonstrated the first electronic nose system based on atomically precise GNRs that could reliably recognize analytes of nearly the same chemical nature, such as methanol and ethanol. Overall, this talk will demonstrate the entire path from designing new atomically precise GNRs with improved properties to their bottom-up synthesis, characterization, processing and implementation in electronic devices.