Mechanochemical Synthesis of High Electron Affinity Curved Nanographenes

The goal of this proposed research is to reduce the use of environmentally unfriendly, hazardous, and costly organic solvents in the manufacturing of nanographenes (well-defined cutouts of graphene with nano-scale dimensions). We will apply eco-friendly and solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis methods to achieve this goal. In targeting nanographenes, we will focus on the curved structures with potential to be used as electron acceptors in organic electronic devices. This will allow us to have novelty on two different levels: application of mechanochemical synthesis to electron deficient nanographenes. These novelties will be crucial in protecting the intellectual properties generated through this project. Finally, our goal is to transfer the knowledge to the energy sector of Singapore to realize the full-scale potential of the developed processes and the utility of the final materials. The specific aims of this project, therefore, are as follows: I) Development of general mechanochemical methods for the synthesis of nanographenes with a molecular curvature. II) Studying the properties and applications of the curved nanographenes. III) Protecting the intellectual properties and developing collaborations with the sustainable energy sector of Singapore to transfer the generated knowledge and realize the real-life applications.