Directed synthesis of graphene nanoribbons

石墨烯被限制在一维空间中，例如薄带，是最有前途的纳米半导体器件材料之一。然而，缺乏在适合于器件制造的表面上生产这种材料的方便方法。基于氧化芳基-芳基偶联反应和Diels-Alder化学，提出了一种新的在半导体表面合成石墨烯的低聚物方法。这种方法将超过现有的基于碳化硅高温合成或高温沉积碳原子合成石墨烯的方法。结构将通过一种新颖的“纳米压花”技术来创建，该技术使用热尖纳米光刻技术将石墨烯前体转化为功能纳米结构。这项技术将利用许多基团(包括这里所代表的基团)在合成独立石墨化分子方面的巨大成功和广泛的文献，以及热尖端纳米光刻的新技术。拟议活动的学术价值包括开发一种史无前例的“自下而上”的石墨烯合成方法，利用四名研究人员的独特能力，他们每人提供一项关键技术。这项研究的更广泛影响来自于拟议的潜在突破性技术，该技术可能为纳米电路设计开辟一种新的、潜在的革命性方法，并加强几个迄今互不相关的群体之间的联系，为博士生提供独特的教育体验。

Graphene confined in one dimensional spaces, e.g. ribbons, represents one of the most promising materials for nanoscale semiconductor devices. However, convenient methods of producing such materials on surfaces suitable for device manufacture are lacking. A new oligomer approach to the synthesis of graphene ribbons on semiconductor surfaces is proposed, based upon oxidative aryl-aryl coupling reactions and Diels-Alder chemistry. This method will surpass current approaches based upon high-temperature desilination of silicon carbide or upon high-temperature deposition of carbon atoms for graphene synthesis. Structures will be created through a novel “nanoembossing” technique, which uses hot-tip nanolithography to convert the graphene precursors into functional nanostructures. This technique will take advantage of the tremendous success and extensive literature in synthesizing free-standing graphitic molecules by a number of groups, including those represented here, as well as the new technique of hot-tip nanolithography. The intellectual merit of the proposed activity involves the development of an unprecedented “bottom-up” approach to the synthesis of graphene, using the unique capabilities of a group of four investigators, each of whom supplies a critical piece of technology. The broader impact of the research stems from the potential breakthrough technology proposed, which may open up a new and potentially revolutionary approach to nanocircuit design, and to the strengthening of ties among several heretofore unlinked groups, providing a unique educational experience for Ph.D. students.