Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon material that holds significant promise as a nanoscale electronic material, but lack of a band gap poses a problem for its usefulness as a semiconductor. Recent experiments have corroborated predictions that graphene nanoribbons with widths on the order of 10 nm should have sizable band gaps, but atomically precise edge structure has proven important to the electronic properties. A method for synthesizing atomically precise graphene nanoribbons has been developed, but lacks control over both length and positioning of the nanoribbons. We are developing both solution- and surface-based methods for controlling the length and position of atomically precise graphene nanostructures by beginning with carefully designed aromatic precursors. Progress toward the controlled-length synthesis of graphene nanoribbons via iterative Suzuki coupling, methods for incorporating these ribbons into model devices, and progress toward the controlled growth of graphene nanostructures on various surfaces via STM patterning and reaction stimulation will be presented. Important precursor design criteria will also be discussed.

Molecule-based graphene nanostructures for molecule-scale electronics

246th National Meeting (2013)

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