The mechanochemical Scholl reaction - a solvent-free and versatile graphitization tool

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The Scholl reaction is a powerful method for synthesizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nanographenes.
• Solubility limitations of precursors and products often hinder the Scholl reaction's efficiency and scalability.
• Developing solvent-free methods is crucial for greener and more practical chemical synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanochemical Scholl reaction for synthesizing nanographenes under solvent-free conditions.
• To overcome the solubility limitations associated with traditional Scholl reaction protocols.
• To establish a scalable and environmentally benign route for nanographene production.

Main Methods:

• Mechanochemical synthesis utilizing a ball mill under solvent-free conditions.
• In situ pressure monitoring to track the reaction progress.
• Characterization of synthesized nanographenes using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of benchmark nanographenes, including hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC), triangular C60, and expanded C222.
• Demonstration that mechanochemistry circumvents precursor and product solubility issues.
• Confirmation of nanographene quality and structure through spectroscopic analysis.

Conclusions:

• Mechanochemical Scholl reaction offers a viable, solvent-free alternative for nanographene synthesis.
• This method enables gram-scale production of high-quality nanographenes.
• The approach holds promise for the development of carbon-based electronic and energy devices.