Dramatic Acceleration of the Hopf Cyclization on Gold(111): From Enediynes to Peri-Fused Diindenochrysene Graphene Nanoribbons

Hopf et al. reported the high-temperature 6π-electrocyclization of cis-hexa-1,3-diene-5-yne to benzene in 1969. Subsequent studies using this cyclization have been limited by its very high reaction barrier. Here, we show that the reaction barrier for two model systems, (E)-1,3,4,6-tetraphenyl-3-hexene-1,5-diyne (1a) and (E)-3,4-bis(4-iodophenyl)-1,6-diphenyl-3-hexene-1,5-diyne (1b), is decreased by nearly half on a Au(111) surface. We have used scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) to monitor the Hopf cyclization of enediynes 1a,b on Au(111). Enediyne 1a undergoes two sequential, quantitative Hopf cyclizations, first to naphthalene derivative 2, and finally to chrysene 3. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that a gold atom from the Au(111) surface is involved in all steps of this reaction and that it is crucial to lowering the reaction barrier. Our findings have important implications for the synthesis of novel graphene nanoribbons. Ullmann-like coupling of enediyne 1b at 20 °C on Au(111), followed by a series of Hopf cyclizations and aromatization reactions at higher temperatures, produces nanoribbons 12 and 13. These results show for the first time that graphene nanoribbons can be synthesized on a Au(111) surface using the Hopf cyclization mechanism.

Two-Dimensional Conjugated Polymers: a New Choice For Organic Thin-Film Transistors

Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) as a vital component among transistors have shown great potential in smart sensing, flexible displays, and bionics due to their flexibility, biocompatibility and customizable chemical structures. Even though linear conjugated polymer semiconductors are common for constructing channel materials of OTFTs, advanced materials with high charge carrier mobility, tunable band structure, robust stability, and clear structure-property relationship are indispensable for propelling the evolution of OTFTs. Two-dimensional conjugated polymers (2DCPs), featured with conjugated lattice, tailorable skeletons, and functional porous structures, match aforementioned criteria closely. In this review, we firstly introduce the synthesis of 2DCP thin films, focusing on their characteristics compatible with the channels of OTFTs. Subsequently, the physics and operating mechanisms of OTFTs and the applications of 2DCPs in OTFTs are summarized in detail. Finally, the outlook and perspective in the field of OTFTs using 2DCPs are provided as well.

Steering On-Surface Reactions by Kinetic and Thermodynamic Strategies

On-surface synthesis has emerged as a powerful tool to fabricate various functional low-dimensional nanostructures with atomic precision, thus becoming a promising platform for the preparation of next-generation semiconductive, magnetic, and topological nanodevices. With the aid of scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy, both the chemical structures and physical properties of the obtained products can be well characterized. A major challenge in this field is how to efficiently steer reaction pathways and improve the yield/quality of products. To address this problem, in recent years various kinetic and thermodynamic strategies have been successfully employed to control on-surface reactions. In this Perspective, we discuss these strategies in view of basic reaction steps on surfaces, including molecular adsorption, diffusion, and reaction. We hope this Perspective will help readers to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of on-surface reactions and rationally design reaction procedures for the fabrication of high-quality functional nanomaterials on surfaces.

On-surface synthesis of enetriynes

Belonging to the enyne family, enetriynes comprise a distinct electron-rich all-carbon bonding scheme. However, the lack of convenient synthesis protocols limits the associated application potential within, e.g., biochemistry and materials science. Herein we introduce a pathway for highly selective enetriyne formation via tetramerization of terminal alkynes on a Ag(100) surface. Taking advantage of a directing hydroxyl group, we steer molecular assembly and reaction processes on square lattices. Induced by O₂ exposure the terminal alkyne moieties deprotonate and organometallic bis-acetylide dimer arrays evolve. Upon subsequent thermal annealing tetrameric enetriyne-bridged compounds are generated in high yield, readily self-assembling into regular networks. We combine high-resolution scanning probe microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations to examine the structural features, bonding characteristics and the underlying reaction mechanism. Our study introduces an integrated strategy for the precise fabrication of functional enetriyne species, thus providing access to a distinct class of highly conjugated π-system compounds.

Pyridinic Nitrogen Modification for Selective Acetylenic Homocoupling on Au(111)

On-surface acetylenic homocoupling has been proposed to construct carbon nanostructures featuring sp hybridization. However, the efficiency of linear acetylenic coupling is far from satisfactory, often resulting in undesired enyne products or cyclotrimerization products due to the lack of strategies to enhance chemical selectivity. Herein, we inspect the acetylenic homocoupling reaction of polarized terminal alkynes (TAs) on Au(111) with bond-resolved scanning probe microscopy. The replacement of benzene with pyridine moieties significantly prohibits the cyclotrimerization pathway and facilitates the linear coupling to produce well-aligned N-doped graphdiyne nanowires. Combined with density functional theory calculations, we reveal that the pyridinic nitrogen modification substantially differentiates the coupling motifs at the initial C-C coupling stage (head-to-head vs head-to-tail), which is decisive for the preference of linear coupling over cyclotrimerization.

Intrinsic Second-Order Topological Insulator in Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks

As an intriguing topological phase, higher-order topological insulators have attracted tremendous attention, but the candidate materials are limited in artificial and inorganic systems. In this work, we propose a universal approach to search for two-dimensional (2D) second-order topological insulators (SOTIs) in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with C₃ symmetric cores. The underlying mechanism is illustrated through tight-binding calculations in a star lattice, showing the 2D SOTI in an overlooked energy window between two Kagome-bands with four types of nontrivial band structures. The emergence of the unique topological edge and corner states can be understood from the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. Furthermore, using the frontier orbital of the monomer building block as an indicator, the 2D SOTI is directly confirmed in three realistic COFs by first-principles calculations. Our results not only extend the concept of organic topological insulators from first-order to second-order but also demonstrate the universal existence of intrinsic higher-order topology in 2D COFs.

Two-Dimensional Polymers and Polymerizations

Synthetic chemists have developed robust methods to synthesize discrete molecules, linear and branched polymers, and disordered cross-linked networks. However, two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) prepared from designed monomers have been long missing from these capabilities, both as objects of chemical synthesis and in nature. Recently, new polymerization strategies and characterization methods have enabled the unambiguous realization of covalently linked macromolecular sheets. Here we review 2DPs and 2D polymerization methods. Three predominant 2D polymerization strategies have emerged to date, which produce 2DPs either as monolayers or multilayer assemblies. We discuss the fundamental understanding and scope of each of these approaches, including: the bond-forming reactions used, the synthetic diversity of 2DPs prepared, their multilayer stacking behaviors, nanoscale and mesoscale structures, and macroscale morphologies. Additionally, we describe the analytical tools currently available to characterize 2DPs in their various isolated forms. Finally, we review emergent 2DP properties and the potential applications of planar macromolecules. Throughout, we highlight achievements in 2D polymerization and identify opportunities for continued study.

"In-water" Dehydration Reaction of an Aromatic Diol on an Inorganic Surface

The effect of a synthetic saponite surface on the "in-water" dehydration reaction of diol was examined using 4-formyl-1-methylquinolinium salt (MQu⁺) as a substrate. The equilibrium between aldehyde (MQu⁺-Aldehyde) and diol (MQu⁺-Diol) was affected by the surrounding environment. The equilibrium behavior was observed by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and UV-vis absorption measurements. Although MQu⁺ was completely in the form of MQu⁺-Diol in water, the equilibrium almost shifted to the MQu⁺-Aldehyde side when MQu⁺ was adsorbed on the saponite surface in water. In addition, the MQu⁺-Aldehyde ratio depended on the negative charge density of saponite. The factors that determine MQu⁺-Aldehyde: MQu⁺-Diol ratio were discussed from the thermodynamic analysis of the system. These data indicate that the electrostatic interaction between the charged saponite surface and MQu⁺ stabilized the aldehyde side enthalpically and destabilized it entropically. The major reason for these results is considered to be the difference in adsorption stabilization between MQu⁺-Aldehyde and MQu⁺-Diol on saponite surfaces.

On-surface synthesis of organocopper metallacycles through activation of inner diacetylene moieties

The design of organometallic complexes is at the heart of modern organic chemistry and catalysis. Recently, on-surface synthesis has emerged as a disruptive paradigm to design previously precluded compounds and nanomaterials. Despite these advances, the field of organometallic chemistry on surfaces is still at its infancy. Here, we introduce a protocol to activate the inner diacetylene moieties of a molecular precursor by copper surface adatoms affording the formation of unprecedented organocopper metallacycles on Cu(111). The chemical structure of the resulting complexes is characterized by scanning probe microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, being complemented by density functional theory calculations and scanning probe microscopy simulations. Our results pave avenues to the engineering of organometallic compounds and steer the development of polyyne chemistry on surfaces.

The diacetylene skeletons of DNBD precursors are attacked on Cu(111) by copper adatoms resulting in the synthesis of organocopper metallacycles.

Developments in Synthesis and Potential Electronic and Magnetic Applications of Pristine and Doped Graphynes

Doping and its consequences on the electronic features, optoelectronic features, and magnetism of graphynes (GYs) are reviewed in this work. First, synthetic strategies that consider numerous chemically and dimensionally different structures are discussed. Simultaneous or subsequent doping with heteroatoms, controlling dimensions, applying strain, and applying external electric fields can serve as effective ways to modulate the band structure of these new sp2/sp allotropes of carbon. The fundamental band gap is crucially dependent on morphology, with low dimensional GYs displaying a broader band gap than their bulk counterparts. Accurately chosen precursors and synthesis conditions ensure complete control of the morphological, electronic, and physicochemical properties of resulting GY sheets as well as the distribution of dopants deposited on GY surfaces. The uniform and quantitative inclusion of non-metallic (B, Cl, N, O, or P) and metallic (Fe, Co, or Ni) elements into graphyne derivatives were theoretically and experimentally studied, which improved their electronic and magnetic properties as row systems or in heterojunction. The effect of heteroatoms associated with metallic impurities on the magnetic properties of GYs was investigated. Finally, the flexibility of doped GYs' electronic and magnetic features recommends them for new electronic and optoelectronic applications.

Surface-assisted fabrication of low-dimensional carbon-based nanoarchitectures

On-surface synthesis, as an alternative to traditional in-solution synthesis, has become an emerging research field and attracted extensive attention over the past decade due to its ability to fabricate nanoarchitectures with exotic properties. Compared to wet chemistry, the on-surface synthesis conducted on atomically flat solid surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum exhibits unprecedented characteristics and advantages, opening novel reaction pathways for chemical synthesis. Various low-dimensional nanostructures have been fabricated on solid surfaces (mostly metal surfaces) based on this newly developed approach. This paper reviews the classic and latest works regarding carbon-based low-dimensional nanostructures since the arrival of on-surface synthesis era. These nanostructures are categorized into zero-, one- and two-dimensional classes and each class is composed of numerous sub-nanostructures. For certain specific nanostructures, comprehensive reports are given, including precursor design, substrate choice, synthetic strategies and so forth. We hope that our review will shed light on the fabrication of some significant nanostructures in this young and promising scientific area.

Chemical Identification and Bond Control of π-Skeletons in a Coupling Reaction

Highly unsaturated π-rich carbon skeletons afford versatile tuning of structural and optoelectronic properties of low-dimensional carbon nanostructures. However, methods allowing more precise chemical identification and controllable integration of target sp-/sp²-carbon skeletons during synthesis are required. Here, using the coupling of terminal alkynes as a model system, we demonstrate a methodology to visualize and identify the generated π-skeletons at the single-chemical-bond level on the surface, thus enabling further precise bond control. The characteristic electronic features together with localized vibrational modes of the carbon skeletons are resolved in real space by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). Our approach allows single-chemical-bond understanding of unsaturated carbon skeletons, which is crucial for generating low-dimensional carbon nanostructures and nanomaterials with atomic precision.

Reassessing Alkyne Coupling Reactions While Studying the Electronic Properties of Diverse Pyrene Linkages at Surfaces

The combination of alkyne and halogen functional groups in the same molecule allows for the possibility of many different reactions when utilized in on-surface synthesis. Here, we use a pyrene-based precursor with both functionalities to examine the preferential reaction pathway when it is heated on an Au(111) surface. Using high-resolution bond-resolving scanning tunneling microscopy, we identify multiple stable intermediates along the prevailing reaction pathway that initiate with a clearly dominant Glaser coupling, together with a multitude of other side products. Importantly, control experiments with reactants lacking the halogen functionalization reveal the Glaser coupling to be absent and instead show the prevalence of non-dehydrogenative head-to-head alkyne coupling. We perform scanning tunneling spectroscopy on a rich variety of the product structures obtained in these experiments, providing key insights into the strong dependence of their HOMO-LUMO gaps on the nature of the intramolecular coupling. A clear trend is found of a decreasing gap that is correlated with the conversion of triple bonds to double bonds via hydrogenation and to higher levels of cyclization, particularly with nonbenzenoid product structures. We rationalize each of the studied cases.

Near-Enantiopure Trimerization of 9-Ethynylphenanthrene on a Chiral Metal Surface

Enantioselectivity in heterogeneous catalysis strongly depends on the chirality transfer between catalyst surface and all reactants, intermediates, and the product along the reaction pathway. Herein we report the first enantioselective on-surface synthesis of molecular structures from an initial racemic mixture and without the need of enantiopure modifier molecules. The reaction consists of a trimerization via an unidentified bonding motif of prochiral 9-ethynylphenanthrene (9-EP) upon annealing to 500 K on the chiral Pd₃ -terminated PdGa{111} surfaces into essentially enantiopure, homochiral 9-EP propellers. The observed behavior strongly contrasts the reaction of 9-EP on the chiral Pd₁ -terminated PdGa{111} surfaces, where 9-EP monomers that are in nearly enantiopure configuration, dimerize without enantiomeric excess. Our findings demonstrate strong chiral recognition and a significant ensemble effect in the PdGa system, hence highlighting the huge potential of chiral intermetallic compounds for enantioselective synthesis and underlining the importance to control the catalytically active sites at the atomic level.

Graphene-Like Covalent Organic Framework with a Wide Band Gap Synthesized On Surface via Stepwise Reactions

Developing graphene-like two-dimensional materials naturally possessing a band gap has sparked enormous interest. Thanks to the inherent wide band gap and high mobility in the 2D plane, covalent organic frameworks containing triazine rings (t-COFs) hold great promise in this regard, whilst the synthesis of single-layer t-COFs remains highly challenging. Herein, we present the fabrication of a well-defined graphene-like t-COF on Au(111). Instead of single/multiple-step single-type reactions commonly applied for on-surface synthesis, distinct stepwise on-surface reactions, including alkynyl cyclotrimerization, C-O bond cleavage, and C-H bond activation, are triggered on demand, leading to product evolution in a controlled step-by-step manner. Aside from the precise control in sophisticated on-surface synthesis, this work proposes a single-atomic-layer organic semiconductor with a wide band gap of 3.41 eV.

On-Surface Dehydro-Diels-Alder Reaction of Dibromo-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene

On-surface synthesis under ultrahigh vacuum conditions is a powerful tool to achieve molecular structures that cannot be accessed via traditional wet chemistry. Nevertheless, only a very limited number of chemical reactions out of the wide variety known from solution chemistry have been reported to proceed readily on atomically flat substrates. Cycloadditions are a class of reactions that are particularly important in the synthesis of sp²-hybridized carbon-based nanostructures. Here, we report on a specific type of [4 + 2] cycloaddition, namely, a dehydro-Diels-Alder (DDA) reaction, performed between bis(phenylethynyl)-benzene precursors on Au(111). Unlike a Diels-Alder reaction, DDA exploits ethynyl groups to achieve the formation of an extra six-membered ring. Despite its extensive use in solution chemistry for more than a century, this reaction has never been reported to occur on surfaces. The specific choice of our precursor molecule has led to the successful synthesis of benzo- and naphtho-fused tetracene and heptacene products bearing styryl groups, as confirmed by scanning tunneling microscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy. The two products arise from dimerization and trimerization of the precursor molecules, respectively, and their observation opens perspectives to use DDA reactions as a novel on-surface synthesis tool.

Metallic bands in chevron-type polyacenes

We present electronic structure calculations based on a single-parameter plane wave expansion method for basic graphene building blocks, namely n-oligophenylenes and n-oligoacenes, revealing excellent agreement with density-functional theory. When oligophenylene molecules are joined through meta (zigzag) or ortho (chevron) junctions, the resulting molecular dimers and polymers exhibit a semiconducting character. While zigzag dimers of oligoacenes also exhibit gapped electronic structures, their chevron-phase features a sharp metallic band at the Fermi energy. This zero-point-energy state, which transforms into Dirac-like band in chevron polymers, survives at the outer elbows of the dimer irrespective of the molecular length, and has the same origin as reported for the polyacetylene and topologically induced edge states at edge-decorated graphene nanoribbons. These findings assist the engineering of topological electronic states at the molecular level and complement the toolbox of quantum phases in carbon-based nanostructures.

We present electronic structure calculations based on a single-parameter plane wave expansion method for molecular nanostructures revealing excellent agreement with density functional theory and predicting metallic bands for chevron molecular dimers.

On-Surface Synthesis of Graphyne-Based Nanostructures

The successful synthesis of stacking graphdiynes has stimulated numerous fascinating applications. However, it still remains challenging to prepare atomically precise 2D graphdiyne and other graphyne-based structures. The development of on-surface synthesis has contributed to many secondary graphyne-based structures that are directive in fabricating extended graphyne networks. Herein, the recent progress concerning on-surface synthesis of graphyne-based nanostructures, especially atomically precise graphdiyne nanowires, is summarized.

On-Surface Activation of Trimethylsilyl-Terminated Alkynes on Coinage Metal Surfaces

The controlled attachment of protecting groups combined with the ability to selectively abstract them is central to organic synthesis. The trimethylsilyl (TMS) functional group is a popular protecting group in solution. However, insights on its activation behavior under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and surface-confined conditions are scarce. Here we investigate a series of TMS-protected alkyne precursors via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) regarding their compatibility with organic molecular beam epitaxy (OMBE) and their potential deprotection on various coinage metal surfaces. After in-situ evaporation on the substrates held in UHV at room temperature, we find that all molecules arrived and adsorbed as intact units forming ordered supramolecular aggregates stabilized by non-covalent interactions. Thus, TMS-functionalized alkyne precursors with weights up to 1100 atomic mass units are stable against OMBE evaporation in UHV. Furthermore, the TMS activation through thermal annealing is investigated with STM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We observe that deprotection starts to occur between 400 K and 500 K on the copper and gold surfaces, respectively. In contrast, on silver surfaces, the TMS-alkyne bond remains stable up to temperatures where molecular desorption sets in (≈600 K). Hence, TMS functional groups can be utilized as leaving groups on copper and gold surfaces while they serve as protecting groups on silver surfaces.

Kinetically Controlled Synthesis of Four- and Six-Member Cyclic Products via Sequential Aryl-Aryl Coupling on a Au(111) Surface

We synthesize four- and six-member cyclic products via sequential multi-step aryl-aryl coupling reactions of 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexabromotriphenylene molecules on a Au(111) surface. The final products as well as the organo-gold intermediate structures are identified using scanning tunneling microscopy and density-functional theory simulation. By adjusting reaction temperature and post-annealing temperature, we enhance/suppress the yields of the four-member and six-member cyclic products. We propose an underlying mechanism which is associated with different reaction kinetics of the first-order and second-order reactions. This work exemplifies intricate kinetically-controlled on-surface synthesis when multiple reactions of different reaction order are involved.

An unexpected organometallic intermediate in surface-confined Ullmann coupling

Ullmann coupling or, more generally, dehalogenative aryl-aryl coupling, is one of the most widely exploited chemical reactions to obtain one- and two-dimensional polymers on metal surfaces. It is generally described as a two-step reaction: (i) dehalogenation, resulting in the formation of a stable intermediate organometallic phase and subsequent (ii) C-C coupling. The topology of the resulting polymer depends on the number and positions of the halogen atoms in the haloaromatic precursor, although its orientation and order are determined by the structure of the intermediate phase. Hitherto, only one intermediate structure, identified as an organometallic (OM) phase, has been reported for such a reaction. Here we demonstrate the formation of two distinct OM phases during the temperature-induced growth of poly(para-phenylene) from 1,4-dibromobenzene precursors on Cu(110). Beyond the already known linear-OM chains, we show that a phase reorganization to a chessboard-like 2D-OM can be activated in a well-defined temperature range. This new intermediate phase, revealed only when the reaction is carried out at low molecular coverages, was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and modeled by density functional theory calculations. Our data show that the 2D-OM remains stable after cooling down the sample and is stabilized by four-Cu clusters at each node. The observation of such unexpected intermediate phase shows the complexity of the mechanisms underlying on-surface synthesis and broadens the understanding of Ullmann coupling, which continues to be astonishing despite its extensive use.

Controlling a Chemical Coupling Reaction on a Surface: Tools and Strategies for On-Surface Synthesis

On-surface synthesis is appearing as an extremely promising research field aimed at creating new organic materials. A large number of chemical reactions have been successfully demonstrated to take place directly on surfaces through unusual reaction mechanisms. In some cases the reaction conditions can be properly tuned to steer the formation of the reaction products. It is thus possible to control the initiation step of the reaction and its degree of advancement (the kinetics, the reaction yield); the nature of the reaction products (selectivity control, particularly in the case of competing processes); as well as the structure, position, and orientation of the covalent compounds, or the quality of the as-formed networks in terms of order and extension. The aim of our review is thus to provide an extensive description of all tools and strategies reported to date and to put them into perspective. We specifically define the different approaches available and group them into a few general categories. In the last part, we demonstrate the effective maturation of the on-surface synthesis field by reporting systems that are getting closer to application-relevant levels thanks to the use of advanced control strategies.

Coordination-Controlled C-C Coupling Products via ortho-Site C-H Activation

The coordination-restricted ortho-site C-H bond activation and dehydrogenative homocoupling of 4,4'-(1,3-phenylene)dipyridine (1,3-BPyB) and 4,4'-(1,4-phenylene)dipyridine (1,4-BPyB) on different metal surfaces were studied by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy, noncontact atomic force microscopy, and density functional theory calculations. The coupling products on Cu(111) exhibited certain configurations subject to the spatial restriction of robust two-fold Cu-N coordination bonds. Compared to the V-shaped 1,3-BPyB, the straight backbone of 1,4-BPyB helped to further reduce the variety of reactive products. By utilizing the three-fold coordination of Fe atoms with 1,4-BPyB molecules on Au(111), a large-scale network containing single products was constructed. Our results offer a promising protocol for controllable on-surface synthesis with the aid of robust coordination interactions.

Selective on-surface covalent coupling based on metal-organic coordination template

Control over on-surface reaction pathways is crucial but challenging for the precise construction of conjugated nanostructures at the atomic level. Herein we demonstrate a selective on-surface covalent coupling reaction that is templated by metal-organic coordinative bonding, and achieve a porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanoribbon structure. In contrast to the inhomogeneous polymorphic structures resulting from the debrominated aryl-aryl coupling reaction on Au(111), the incorporation of an Fe-terpyridine (tpy) coordination motif into the on-surface reaction controls the molecular conformation, guides the reaction pathway, and finally yields pure organic sexipyridine-p-phenylene nanoribbons. Emergent molecular conformers and reaction products in the reaction pathways are revealed by scanning tunneling microscopy, density functional theory calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, demonstrating the template effect of Fe-tpy coordination on the on-surface covalent coupling. Our approach opens an avenue for the rational design and synthesis of functional conjugated nanomaterials with atomic precision.

Synthesizing precise conjugated nanostructures on a surface requires fine control over the covalent reaction pathways. Here, the authors show that reversible coordinative bonds can be used to template on-surface C-C coupling reactions, guiding the formation of porous organic nanoribbons.

Electronic and Optical Properties of 2D Materials Constructed from Light Atoms

Boron, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms can form various building blocks for further construction of structurally well-defined 2D materials (2DMs). Both in theory and experiment, it has been documented that the electronic structures and optical properties of 2DMs are well tunable through a rational design of the material structure. Here, the recent progress on 2DMs that are composed of B, C, N, and O elements is introduced, including borophene, graphene, h-BN, g-C₃ N₄ , organic 2D polymers (2DPs), etc. Attention is put on the band structure/bandgap engineering for these materials through a variety of methodologies, such as chemical modifications, layer number and atomic structure control, change of conjugation degree, etc. The optical properties, such as photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, single photon emission, as well as the associated applications in bioimaging and sensing, are discussed in detail and highlighted.

Ho-Mediated Alkyne Reactions at Low Temperatures on Ag(111)

Low-temperature approaches to catalytic conversions promise efficiency, selectivity, and sustainable processes. Control over certain coupling reactions can be obtained via the pre-positioning of reactive moieties by self-assembly. However, in the striving field of on-surface synthesis atomistic precision and control remains largely elusive, because the employed coupling reactions proceed at temperatures beyond the thermal stability of the supramolecular templates. Here, utilizing scanning tunneling microscopy, we demonstrate terminal alkyne on-surface reactions mediated by Ho atoms at a weakly reactive Ag(111) substrate at low-temperatures. Density functional theory calculations confirm the catalytic activity of the involved adatoms. Pre-deposited Ho induces alkyne dehydrogenation starting at substrate temperatures as low as 100 K. Ho arriving at molecularly pre-covered surfaces held at 130 and 200 K produces covalent enyne-linked dimers and initiates cyclotrimerization, respectively. Statistical product analysis indicates a two-step pathway for the latter, whereby the enyne intermediates influence the distribution of the products. High chemoselectivity results from the absence of cyclotetramerization and diyne-forming homocoupling. Our analysis indicates that mainly the arriving Ho adatoms enable the coupling. These findings support the concept of dynamic heterogeneity by single-atom catalysts and pave the way for alternative means to control on-surface reactions.

Reaction Selectivity in On-Surface Chemistry by Surface Coverage Control-Alkyne Dimerization versus Alkyne Trimerization

This work reports the influence of molecular coverage in on-surface C-C-bond formation on reaction outcome. 6-Ethynyl-2-naphthoic acid (ENA) was chosen as organic component and Ag(111) as substrate. The alkyne moiety in ENA can either react by dimerization to ENA dimers (Glaser coupling or hydroalkynylation) or cyclotrimerization to generate a benzene core as connecting moiety. Dimer formation is preferred at high surface coverage whereas trimerization is the major reaction pathway at low coverage. Mechanistic studies are provided.

Sulfur-driven switching of the Ullmann coupling on Au(111)

We demonstrate a method to selectively switch the Ullmann coupling reaction of 2,8-dibromodibenzothiophene on a Au(111) support. The Ullmann coupling reaction is effective already at low temperature, but the complete inhibition of the same reaction can be achieved on Au(111) pre-exposed to H2S. The marked difference in reactivity of pretreated Au(111) is explained by the S-passivation of free Au atoms emerging from reconstruction sites. The inhibited state can be fully lifted by removing the S via hydrogen gas post-exposure.

On-Surface Synthesis of Carbon Nanostructures

Novel carbon nanomaterials have aroused significant interest owing to their prospects in various technological applications. The recently developed on-surface synthesis strategy provides a route toward atomically precise fabrication of nanostructures, which paves the way to functional molecular nanostructures in a controlled fashion. A plethora of low-dimensional nanostructures, challenging to traditional solution chemistry, have been recently fabricated. Within the last few decades, an increasing interest and flourishing studies on the fabrication of novel low-dimensional carbon nanostructures using on-surface synthesis strategies have been witnessed. In particular, carbon materials, including fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanoribbons, are synthesized with atomic precision by such bottom-up methods. Herein, starting from the basic concepts and progress made in the field of on-surface synthesis, the recent developments of atomically precise fabrication of low-dimensional carbon nanostructures are reviewed.

On-Surface Synthesis of Porous Carbon Nanoribbons from Polymer Chains

We demonstrate the on-surface synthesis of porous carbon nanoribbons on Ag(111) via a preprogrammed isomerization of conformationally flexible polymer chains followed by dehydrogenation reactions using thermal annealing. The carbon chains are fabricated by polymerization of prochiral 1,3,5-tris(3-bromophenyl)benzene (mTBPB) directly on the surface using an Ullmann-type reaction. At room temperature, mTBPB partially self-assembles in halogen-bonded 2D networks, which transform into organometallic chains and rings after debromination. The chain and ring formation is facilitated by conformational switching from a C_3h to C_s symmetry of mTBPB via rotation of m-phenylene units. The high conformational selectivity toward C_s-conformers is templated by the twofold coordination to Ag adatoms. After thermally induced covalent-linking through aryl-aryl coupling, well-ordered nanoporous chains are created. Finally, the rotation of single phenylene units in combination with dehydrogenation cross-linking reactions within the polymer chains leads to the unexpected formation of porous carbon nanoribbons. We unveil the reaction mechanism in a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy study and demonstrate that the rotation of m-phenylene units is a powerful design tool to promote structural control in the synthesis of cyclic covalent organic nanostructures on metal surfaces.

Highly Selective Synthesis of cis-Enediynes on a Ag(111) Surface

Cis-enediyne-type compounds have received much attention as potent antitumor antibiotics. The conventional synthesis of cis-enediynes in solution typically involves multiple steps and various side reactions. For the first time, selective one-step synthesis of cis-enediyne from a single reactant is reported on a Ag(111) surface with a yield up to 90 %. High selectivity for the formation of cis-enediyne originates from the steric effect posed by weak intermolecular interactions, which protect the cis-enediyne from further reaction. A series of comparative experiments and DFT-based transition-state calculations support the findings. The described synthetic approach for directing reaction pathways on-surface may illuminate potential syntheses of other unstable organic compounds.

Hierarchical on-surface synthesis and electronic structure of carbonyl-functionalized one- and two-dimensional covalent nanoarchitectures

The fabrication of nanostructures in a bottom-up approach from specific molecular precursors offers the opportunity to create tailored materials for applications in nanoelectronics. However, the formation of defect-free two-dimensional (2D) covalent networks remains a challenge, which makes it difficult to unveil their electronic structure. Here we report on the hierarchical on-surface synthesis of nearly defect-free 2D covalent architectures with carbonyl-functionalized pores on Au(111), which is investigated by low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy in combination with density functional theory calculations. The carbonyl-bridged triphenylamine precursors form six-membered macrocycles and one-dimensional (1D) chains as intermediates in an Ullmann-type coupling reaction that are subsequently interlinked to 2D networks. The electronic band gap is narrowed when going from the monomer to 1D and 2D surface-confined π-conjugated organic polymers comprising the same building block. The significant drop of the electronic gap from the monomer to the polymer confirms an efficient conjugation along the triphenylamine units within the nanostructures.