On‐Surface Synthesis of a Dicationic Diazahexabenzocoronene Derivative on the Au(111) Surface
Kalyan Biswas, José I. Urgel, Kun Xu, Ji Ma, Ana Sánchez‐Grande, Pingo Mutombo, Aurelio Gallardo, Koen Lauwaet, Benjamín Mallada, Bruno de la Torre, Adam Matěj, José M. Gallego, Rodolfo Miranda, Pavel Jelı́nek, Xinliang Feng, David Écija
Abstract
-carbon lattice confer them valuable electronic, optical and magnetic properties. Herein, we report on the design and synthesis of a hexabenzocoronene derivative embedded with graphitic nitrogen in its honeycomb lattice, achieved via on-surface assisted cyclodehydrogenation on the Au(111) surface. Combined scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy and non-contact atomic force microscopy investigations unveil the chemical and electronic structures of the obtained dicationic NG. Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements reveal a considerable variation of the local contact potential difference toward lower values with respect to the gold surface, indicative of its positive net charge. Altogether, we introduce the concept of cationic nitrogen doping of NGs on surfaces, opening new avenues for the design of novel carbon nanostructures.