Tailoring Graphite into Subnanometer Graphene.

Chen, Zhexue; Zhang, Yutong; Zhao, Ce; Xia, Yuexing; Li, Zhangqiang; Zhou, Xuanping; Xiao, Liuyang; Liu, Xinfeng et al. · Adv Mater · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Within the intersection of materials science and nanoscience/technology, extremely downsized (including quantum-sized and subnanometer-sized) materials attract increasing interest. However, the effective and controllable production of extremely downsized materials through physical strategies remains a great challenge. Herein, an all-physical top-down method for the production of sub-1 nm graphene with completely broken lattice is reported. The graphene subnanometer materials (GSNs) with monolayer structures and lateral sizes of ≈0.5 nm are obtained. Compared with their bulk, nanosheets, and quantum sheets, the intrinsic GSNs present extremely enhanced photoluminescence and nonlinear saturation absorption performances, as well as unique carrier behavior. The non-equilibrium states induced by the entirely exposed and broken, intrinsic lattices in sub-1 nm graphene can be determinative to their extreme performances. This work shows the great potential of broken lattice and provides new insights toward subnanometer materials.