Evolution of Graphene Molecules: Structural and Functional Complexity as Driving Forces behind Nanoscience

Abstract

Abstract:The evolution of nanoscience is based on the ability of the fields of chemistry and physics to share competencies through mutually beneficial collaborations. With this in mind, in this Perspective, I describe three classes of compounds: rylene dyes, polyphenylene dendrimers, as well as nanographene molecules and graphene nanoribbons, which have provided a superb platform to nurture these relationships. The synthesis of these complex structures is demanding, but also rewarding because they stimulate unique investigations at the singlemolecule level by scanning tunneling microscopy and single-molecule spectroscopy. There are close functional and structural relationships between the molecules chosen. In particular, rylenes and nanographenes can be regarded as honeycombtype, discoid species composed of fused benzene rings. The benzene ring can thus be regarded as a universal modular building block. Polyphenylene dendrimers serve, first, as a scaffold for dyes en route to multichromophoric systems and, second, as chemical precursors for graphene synthesis. Through chemical design, it is possible to tune the properties of these systems at the single-molecule level and to achieve nanoscale control over their self-assembly to form multifunctional (nano)materials.

Graphene based metal and metal oxide nanocomposites: synthesis, properties and their applications

“…conversion and storage, solar energy harvesting etc. [33][34][35] In order to further enhance the properties and to broaden the applications of graphene, various metal and metal oxide NPs have been decorated on graphene. 5 Apart from enhancing the properties of graphene, the NPs act as a stabilizer against the aggregation of individual graphene sheets, which is caused by strong van der Waals interactions between the graphene layers.…”

Fluorescence from graphene nanoribbons of well-defined structure

“…Therefore, a lot of studies have been carried out to develop graphene-like semiconductors with large bandgaps. In this context, graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are promising materials that enable applications in carbon electronics and optoelectronics [2][3][4]. Indeed, these nano-objects have strong assets such as the tunability of most of their properties by controlling the width and edges structure [3,5,6].…”

Control over the Self‐Assembly Modes of PtII Complexes by Alkyl Chain Variation: From Slipped to Parallel π‐Stacks

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] In order to achieve these functionalities, highlyordered, adaptive nanostructures formed via a cooperative supramolecular polymerization mechanism are highly desirable. 18 The introduction of orthogonal noncovalent interactions, 19 from which hydrogen bonding and combinations with other secondary interactions are by far the most exploited ones, 20 represents a rational means for this purpose.…”