Alkyne-based Carbon Nanomaterials: On-surface Synthesis and Complementary Characterization.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Johannes V. Barth, since 12/2019
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326785818

This project aims at the surface-confined construction of advanced covalent nanomaterials from alkyne-based precursors and the characterization of their structural, chemical, and electronic properties at the single-molecule level. The desired comprehensive insight in the properties of the well-defined samples prepared under ultra-high vacuum conditions will be obtained by combining experimental methods providing complementary information. More specifically, low-temperature (5 K) scanning probe microscopy yielding real space images with submolecular features will be amended by synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic techniques with high energy resolution. By systemically investigating the involved aspects of the sample preparation process, we plan to achieve a profound understanding of the influence of the precursor design, the surface templating effect, and the reaction excitation type on the quality of the resulting nanomaterials. Furthermore, alternative coupling schemes and fabrication approaches will be investigated, such as atom tunneling- and catalytic adatom-mediated reactions or alkyne-halogen protocols combined with photon or electron excitation. The accumulated knowledge will provide the foundation for the atom-precise fabrication of novel carbon-based nanomaterials with impressive, tunable characteristics and functionalities highly desirable for future nanotechnology applications like high mechanical strength and flexibility, extreme charge carrier mobilities, and chemical versatility.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Privatdozent Dr. Florian Klappenberger, until 12/2019