Directed synthesis of graphene nanoribbons

石墨烯被限制在一维空间中，例如带状物，代表了用于纳米级半导体器件的最有前途的材料之一。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带的低聚物方法。该方法将超越目前基于碳化硅的高温干燥或基于碳原子的高温沉积用于石墨烯合成的方法。结构将通过一种新的“纳米压印”技术创建，该技术使用热尖纳米光刻将石墨烯前体转化为功能性纳米结构。这种技术将利用巨大的成功和广泛的文献中合成独立的石墨分子的一些群体，包括那些在这里表示，以及热尖纳米光刻的新技术。拟议活动的智力价值涉及开发一种前所未有的“自下而上”的石墨烯合成方法，利用一个由四名研究人员组成的小组的独特能力，每个人都提供一项关键技术。这项研究的更广泛的影响源于提出的潜在突破性技术，它可能为纳米电路设计开辟一种新的和潜在的革命性方法，并加强迄今为止几个未联系的群体之间的联系，为博士提供独特的教育体验。学生

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.