Azobenzene-functionalized graphene nanoribbons: bottom-up synthesis, photoisomerization behaviour and self-assembled structures. Issue 31 (6th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shangguan, Zhichun; Yu, Chunyang; Li, Chen; Huang, Xianhui; Mai, Yiyong; Li, Tao
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 8:Issue 31(2020)
• Page Start: 10837
• Page End: 10843
• Publication Date: 2020-05-06
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Electronics -- Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d0tc01609h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7526

Abstract

Abstract : We show the strategy of introducing azobenzene groups into graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), which not only endows GNRs with fast photo-responsiveness but also induces the self-assembly of the GNRs into ultra-long nanowires. Abstract : Azobenzene-functionalized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) were synthesized through acid promoted alkyne benzannulation. The resulting GNRs showed high dispersibility in common organic solvents (up to 100 mg mL −1 in chlorobenzene) and underwent fast photoisomerization. A photostationary state was established in solution upon 365 nm light irradiation for 20 s and subsequently the initial state could be easily restored upon 500 nm light irradiation for 40 s. Photo-responsive GNR thin films were also prepared by spin coating. Moreover, the azobenzene-functionalized GNRs could self-assemble into nanowires with lengths ranging from several to tens of micrometers. This study opens an avenue for the functionalization of GNRs with stimuli-responsive functional groups, which holds great promise for applications in optoelectronic devices.