Sequential formation of N-doped nanohelicenes, nanographenes and nanodomes by surface-assisted chemical (cyclo)dehydrogenation of heteroaromatics

The use of appropriately functionalized molecular building blocks to form novel nano-architectures with tailored structure and electronic properties has recently been brought under the spotlight. Recently, the ESISNA group has developed an effective way of exploiting on-surface chemistry to grow different nanostructures in sequential steps from the same molecular precursor. We have used different activation temperatures to…

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On the origin of interstellar aromatic molecules

Despite their abundance and ubiquity in space, the origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is still a mystery for astronomers. Gas phase chemistry models, this is, simple collisions between C atoms and C-containing molecules, and soot formation mechanisms can not easily account for the observed amount of PAHs, as they…

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Reactivity of the TiO2(110) surface: deshydrogenating PAH’s by thermal activation

Our research group has shown the catalytic properties of the TiO2(110)-(1×1) surface towards dehydrogenation of large organic molecules. We have deposited C60H30 molecules on this surface and we have proven that high temperature annealing leads to partial cyclodehydrogenation, which allows the use of the activated PAH’s as building blocks for larger…

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OPEN POSTDOCT POSITION AT THE ESISNA GROUP OF ICMM/CSIC

Functionalizing epitaxial graphene We are currently looking for a postdoc in the framework of the EC-Flagship program. The candidate should have proven experience in ultra high vacuum (UHV) and in some of the surface science characterization techniques (STM, LEED, XPS, synchrotron radiation…). IR experience in UHV will be advantageous. Your…

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Diffusion controlled on-surface reactions: formation of N-doped nanoarchitectures

The bottom-up approach aims at forming tailored nanoarchitectures by manipulating organic molecules at atomic level and it is one of the most effective strategies used in nanotechnology. Catalytic surfaces are often used to prompt a particular reaction as they are very successful in modifying a particular molecule in selected ways.…

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Strain-Driven Moiré Superstructures of Epitaxial Graphene on Transition Metal Surfaces

A simple model to explain graphene Moirés on single crystal metal surfaces Graphene revealed to be the most outstanding material of the decade. Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) images have proved the existence of Moiré superstructures on epitaxial graphene due to the spatial coincidence of the atomic periodicity of the graphene…

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