video: Researchers synthesize Helical nanographenes (in red) for the first time, offering promising applications for future nanoscale technology. view more
Credit: Kyoto Univesrity / Matsuda Lab
Japan -- It's probably the smallest spring you've ever seen.
Researchers from Kyoto University and Osaka University report for the first time in the Journal of the American Chemical Society the successful synthesis of hexa-peri-hexabenzo[7]helicene, or 'helical nanographene'.
These graphene constructs previously existed only in theory, so successful synthesis offers promising applications from nanoscale induction coils, to molecular springs for use in nanomechanics.
Graphene -- a hexagonal lattice of single layer carbon atoms exhibiting outstanding charge and heat transport properties -- has garnered extensive research and development interest.
Helically twisted graphenes have a spiral shape. Successful synthesis of this type of graphene could have major applications, but its model compounds have never been reported. And while past research has gotten close, resulting compounds have never exhibited expected properties.
"We processed some basic chemical compounds through step-by-step reactions, such as McMurry coupling, followed by stepwise photocyclodehydrogenation and aromatization," explains first author Yusuke Nakakuki. "We then found that we had synthesized the foundational backbone of helical graphene."
The team confirmed the helicoid nature of the structure through X-ray crystallography, also finding both clockwise and counter-clockwise nanographenes. Further tests showed that the electronic structure and photoabsorption properties of this compound are much different from previous ones.
"This helical nanographene is the first of its kind," concludes lead author Kenji Matsuda. "We will try to expand their surface area and make the helices longer. I expect to find many new physical properties as well."
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The paper "Hexa-peri-hexabenzo[7]helicene: Homogeneously π-Extended Helicene as a Primary Substructure of Helically Twisted Chiral Graphenes" appeared 19 March 2018 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, with doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b13412
Kyoto University is one of Japan and Asia's premier research institutions, founded in 1897 and responsible for producing numerous Nobel laureates and winners of other prestigious international prizes. A broad curriculum across the arts and sciences at both undergraduate and graduate levels is complemented by numerous research centers, as well as facilities and offices around Japan and the world. For more information please see: http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en
Journal
Journal of the American Chemical Society