Background:
This is a method of synthesis for soluble nanographene structures. These soluble nanographenes have interesting and useful optical and electronic properties that can be used in applications such as organic light emitting diodes, organic field effect transistors, sensors, and non-linear optics. These nanographenes are “soft” materials, allowing use in flexible displays and organic electronic. These could replace high-cost silicon photovoltaic solar cells, being much lower in cost and having easy processability. Some of these nanographenes have also been predicted to have good singlet-fission properties, leading to greatly enhanced efficiencies in solar cells.
Technology:
The synthesis of the novel nanographene materials uses an alkyne benzannulation methodology. This method makes use of both Brønsted and Lewis acids in the process to make the nanographenes. The method is compatible with many functional groups that render the material soluble and thus easily processable.
Advantages:
- “Soft” material can be used for flexible displays
- Lower cost than silicon photovoltaic solar cells
- The material is easily processed
Publication:
Patent:
NVRIC18-014
