Controlled catalyst-transfer polymerization in graphene nanoribbon synthesis
This study describes a hybrid strategy for bottom-up synthesizing graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) that provides exquisite control over the length, width, and functional end groups. The combination of solution-based Suzuki chain transfer polymerization (SCTP) with on-surface synthesis enabled by matrix-assisted direct (MAD) transfer presents an unparalleled tool to access and fine-tune all critical parameters that define the electronic band structure of GNRs. This technology paves the way for advancements in the field of carbon-based nanoelectronics sensing and computing.