Towards custom built double core carbon nanothreads using stilbene and pseudo-stilbene type systems

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Saturated carbon nanothreads are novel 1D nanomaterials with exceptional mechanical properties.
• Previous synthesis methods were limited, particularly for creating complex nanostructures like double-core nanothreads.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the synthesis of double carbon nanothreads from trans stilbene and azobenzene-stilbene mixed crystals.
• To explore the tunability of nanothread structure and properties by controlling precursor composition.

Main Methods:

• High-pressure synthesis using diamond anvil cells.
• Characterization via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction.
• Structural analysis using transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory calculations.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of double carbon nanothreads from new precursor mixtures.
• Identification of a precursor phase transition preceding nanothread formation.
• Demonstration of tunable linker groups and potential for tailored optical properties and band gaps.

Conclusions:

• The synthesis of double carbon nanothreads is generalizable to various aromatic precursors.
• Precursor crystal composition dictates the structure and properties of the resulting nanothreads.
• This work opens avenues for designing nanothreads with specific optical and electronic functionalities.