Novel 2D Nanosheets and 2D Nanoribbons Derived from Stabilized Acenes

Acenes are composed of linearly fused, fully conjugated six-membered rings. Large acenes possess interesting electronic properties including small HOMO-LUMO gaps and relatively high charge carrier mobilities. Unsubstituted acenes composed of 5 (pentacene) or more rings show poor solubility and are generally not amenable to further solution-phase chemistry including condensation reactions to create 2D nanosheets or nanoribbons. The incorporation of select substituents, however, dramatically improves acene solubility while slowing photooxidation in solutions exposed to light and air. In this presentation, the synthesis and characterization of functionalized, soluble, photooxidatively resistant acenes and their associated 2D nanosheets and nanoribbons will be described. Experimental results will be combined with theoretical (DFT) calculations. Characterizations of molecules and 2D materials will include optical and electronic measurements. Collaborations involving optoelectronic devices of all kinds including organic photovoltaics (OPVs), organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), organic semi-metals, sensors, UV-vis and NIR camouflage and dark matter detection are actively sought before, during and after the meeting.