Twisted Graphene Nanoribbons for Breakthroughs in Energy Storage, Bioelectronics and Chiroptics

Area of Science:

• Organic electronics
• Materials science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Twisted graphene nanoribbons (tw-GNRs) possess a unique structure with void space for ion transport and electronic conductivity.
• Helical perylene diimide (hPDI) oligomers and polymers exemplify these versatile materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development of tw-GNRs using a defect-free synthesis.
• To explore structure-property relationships for applications in energy storage, bioelectronics, and chiroptics.

Main Methods:

• Developed a robust polymerization-cyclization synthesis from perylene tetraester precursors.
• Engineered ribbon length, edge chemistry, and backbone helicity up to 120 nm.
• Introduced cruciform hinges and modified ribbon edges with hydrophilic chains.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise control over tw-GNR synthesis for systematic studies.
• Demonstrated ultrafast charging in lithium and magnesium batteries using intermediate-length ribbons.
• Enabled high-performance aqueous sodium-ion batteries by resolving conductivity-hydrophilicity-insolubility trade-offs.
• Developed ultrastable n-type organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) for neural recording.
• Utilized chiral side chains to induce helical order for room-temperature spin filtering via the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect.

Conclusions:

• Precise molecular engineering of tw-GNRs unlocks new functionalities like dual ion-electron conduction and spin-selective transport.
• Tw-GNRs represent a versatile platform for next-generation organic electronics.
• These materials show promise for advanced energy storage, bioelectronic interfaces, and spintronic devices.