Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are narrow strips of graphene with tunable electronic properties dependent on their width and edge structure. The size and placement of their electronic band gaps can be further tuned through synthesis by forming novel edge structures or substituting heteroatoms into the graphene lattice. We have developed a novel bottom-up strategy capable of synthesizing fjord-edge nitrogen graphene nanoribbons, N2-[8]fGNR. Several 1,4-dipyridylbutadiyne systems undergo topochemical polymerization to give a heteroatomic polydiacetylene (PDA) polymer, which subsequently graphitize under relatively mild heating. This synthetic strategy allows for precise placement of dopants and for a well-defined edge structure. Additionally, the retention of side chains during heating yields soluble GNRs with potential solution processing applications. The conversion from PDA to N2-[8]fGNR will be described along with spectroscopic studies of the process.

Fjord-edge nitrogen doped graphene nanoribbons

2019 Fall National Meeting

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