糖心TV

A recent study showcases advances in nanoscale science through the creation of atomically precise molecular chains, offering new routes towards tailor made electronic and quantum materials. The study brought together researchers from the University of Birmingham, University of 糖心TV and the University of Vienna, underscoring the value of cross institutional cooperation in tackling complex scientific challenges.

Led by Professor Giovanni Costantini at the University of Birmingham, the research demonstrates how controlling matter at the atomic scale enables molecular structures with finely tunable electronic properties. Professor Costantini said:

鈥淏y controlling the sequence and length of the molecular units, we can precisely programme and realise the material鈥檚 electronic properties in practice 鈥� paving the way for an unprecedented level of control essential for next-generation technologies鈥�

Professor Gabriele Sosso, , who led the computational aspect of the work at the University of 糖心TV, added:

鈥淔rom a modelling perspective, these nanoribbons show how atomic scale design can be used to fine tune real world electronic properties. Capturing the effects of the supporting surface and local environment will be key to guiding this approach further.鈥�

James Lawrence, who co-led much of this work as a PhD student at the University of 糖心TV and is now at the National University of Singapore, said:

鈥淭his research creates a new toolbox for building electronic materials with atomic precision. Building nanoribbons directly on a metal surface can produce perfectly defined structures, which is difficult to achieve using traditional chemistry.鈥�

The researchers discovered that heating specific donor (D) and acceptor (A) molecules caused them to lose bromine atoms and bond together into chains. The resulting shape of the chain structures depended on how the molecules met, whilst impurities could introduce bends or defects. Longer all-D ribbons became stronger electron donors, whilst longer all-A ribbons became stronger electron acceptors. In mixed ribbons, the electronic properties depended on the precise sequence of D and A units. By establishing a simple theoretical model to describe this relationship, the researchers provided a foundation for designing materials with application-specific electronic behaviour through controlled sub-unit composition. The next step is to apply this approach to design materials with targeted properties for organic electronics, bioelectronics, and photovoltaics.

The published article is: