(a) Schematic of multistep formation of GNRs. (b) 3D STM image of 7-atom wide armchair GNR (7a-GNR) on rutile (011). (c) Simulated spin-polarized electronic wave functions for finite 7a-GNR. (d) Measured dI/dV in locations marked by two circles in (b). Two resonances marked by red arrow correspond to zigzag end states that become entangled at finite distance.
Scientific Achievement
Decoupled, atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are obtained by an on-surface synthesis approach on a model metal oxide and exhibit spin-polarized magnetic states.
Significance and Impact
This work demonstrates a path toward forming custom-designed carbon nanostructures by direct on-surface synthesis methods on technologically relevant semiconducting or insulating surfaces.
Research Details
– Highly selective and sequential activation of C-Br, C-F, and C-H bonds are thermally triggered on the oxide surface with rationally designed molecular precursors during multi-step synthesis of GNRs. – Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) used to monitor the formation of intermediates and GNRs in situ, revealing electronic and magnetic states and confirming weak interactions between GNRs and rutile TiO2.M. Kolmer, A. K. Steiner, I. Izydorczyk, W. Ko, M. Engelund, M. Szymonski, A.-P. Li, and K. Amsharov, "Rational Synthesis of Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons Directly on Metal Oxide Surfaces," Science (2020). DOI: 10.1126/science.abb8880
