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

Abstract

We report on the stepwise formation of N-doped nanohelicenes, nanographenes, nanodomes and graphenes from the same heteroaromatic precursor through subsequent dehydrogenations on Pt(111) upon thermal annealing. The combined experimental (UHV-STM) and computational (DFT) studies provide a full atomistic description of the intermediate reaction stages.