Controlled Optically Active Hierarchical Nanostructures of Side-Chain Sequence-Regulated Graphene Nanoribbons

Synthetic graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have drawn significant attention due to their unique optical, electronic, and magnetic properties. Considerable efforts have been exerted in developing versatile synthetic methods to manipulate the architectures and properties of GNRs. However, these synthetic methodologies have still struggled to achieve a delicate control over the sequence and function of GNRs at the molecular level, thereby limiting their application potentials across a range of scientific and technological fields. Herein, we report a robust liquid-phase bottom-up synthesis strategy for the creation of sequence-regulated functional GNRs, enabling precise control over the side-chain sequence of GNRs. Using this approach, diversified sequence-regulated GNRs have been produced, demonstrating readily regulated hierarchical nanostructures and optical properties, attributing to their sequence-dependent molecular stacking mode. This liquid-phase bottom-up synthetic technology enabled the incorporation of the side-chain structural and functional diversity into GNRs, further holding great promise for optoelectronic and biomedical applications.