From Nanographene and Graphene Nanoribbons to Graphene Sheets: Chemical Synthesis

Abstract

Graphene, an individual two-dimensional, atomically thick sheet of graphite composed of a hexagonal network of sp(2) carbon atoms, has been intensively investigated since its first isolation in 2004, which was based on repeated peeling of highly oriented pyrolyzed graphite (HOPG). The extraordinary electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties of graphene make it a promising candidate for practical applications in electronics, sensing, catalysis, energy storage, conversion, etc. Both the theoretical and experimental studies proved that the properties of graphene are mainly dependent on their geometric structures. Precise control over graphene synthesis is therefore crucial for probing their fundamental physical properties and introduction in promising applications. In this Minireview, we highlight the recent progress that has led to the successful chemical synthesis of graphene with a range of different sizes and chemical compositions based on both top-down and bottom-up strategies.

Extraordinary Transformations to Achieve the Synthesis of Remarkable Aromatic Compounds

“…As such, the selection of a single example proved to be an impossible task and an excellent recent review will guide the reader back to earlier ones. [65] What struck me during this exercise was that the really extraordinary thing about Müllen's use of the Scholl reaction is the overwhelmingly large and diverse body of work that has been published and continues to be published. From a practical perspective, his structures are also hard to squeeze into small spaces!…”

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

“…Hence, it is necessary to utilize synthetic, bottom-up methods to achieve graphene materials with control over their chemical and physical structures. [11][12][13] Herein, the benzene ring serves as a modular building block in proceeding from small organic molecules to extended oligomers and finally their related polymers. Next to the size of the chemical structure, the second most important design principle is their dimensionality.…”

Chemical synthesis of graphene nanoribbons

“…On the other hand, bottom-up techniques can afford GNRs with distinct structural and geometrical characteristics (defined edge type and narrow widths), without edge abnormalities, very low polydispersity, and the potential for scale-up. 10,[37][38][39] Importantly, the precursor monomers used to chemically synthesize the GNRs define the ribbon dimensions, which in turn dictates the band gaps and electronic properties of the final material. On this basis, producing GNRs with tailor-made predefined widths, edge structure geometries and suitable solubility constitutes an important challenge for synthetic chemists.…”

“…The most well-studied carbon-based materials are fullerenes (C 60 and its higher derivatives), [1][2][3] carbon nanotubes (CNTs), 4-6 graphene 7,8 and graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO) 9 and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), 10 carbon nanodots (CDs), 11 and carbon fibers. 12 To date, the only successfully commercialized material are carbon fibers, which are industrially produced on a large scale for applications where high tensile strength and rigidity are needed (e.g., in polymer reinforcement).…”