Researchers have developed a novel graphene nanostructure with adjustable properties by utilizing adaptable “bridges” to connect graphene strips. This advancement, spearheaded by a team from prestigious Spanish institutes and the Technical University of Denmark, holds promise for quantum computing and renewable energy applications. The innovative method allows for the construction of carbon nanocircuits that can be fine-tuned for various functionalities—akin to adjusting a building’s design with moveable components.
The team synthesized a nanoporous graphene structure using ultra-narrow graphene strips, known as “nanoribbons,” linked by flexible bridges made of phenylene moieties. By altering the architecture and angles of these bridges, researchers can control the quantum connectivity and electronic properties of the graphene structure—a process that can be influenced by external stimuli like strain or electrical fields. This groundbreaking technique has been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and could revolutionize materials science, paving the way for advanced electronics and sustainable energy solutions. The potential applications extend beyond electronics, with implications for developing thermoelectric nanomaterials that enhance renewable energy generation and waste heat recovery, addressing significant societal challenges.
