Contorted hexabenzocoronene derivatives as a universal organic precursor for dimension-customized carbonization

This paper introduces contorted hexabenzocoronene (c-HBC) derivatives as a potential universal precursor for use in synthesis of sp²-crystalline carbon materials that have dimensionalities ranging from 1-D to 3-D. Carbon products with different dimensions and high crystallinity were synthesized by controlling the assembly dimensions and intermolecular interactions of c-HBC derivatives, which are largely affected by the edge element and the deposition conditions. Further control of crystallinity was achieved by involving copper vapor; the effect is shown to be limited by the thickness of the assembled c-HBC layer. Study of the carbonization of c-HBC allowed development of an effective strategy to grow graphene-like structure on arbitrary substrates. This ability is expected to be a foundation for designed synthesis of graphitic carbons that have optimum morphology and dimensions for targeted applications.