Scientists have been attempting to develop a different type of carbon called Graphyne for over a decade with little success. However, University of Colorado Boulder researchers has finally succeeded in producing the elusive carbon allotrope. This study closes a lengthy gap in carbon material science and offers up entirely new avenues for research in electronics, optics, and semiconductors.
The researchers published their findings in Nature Synthesis under the heading “Synthesis of γ-graphyne utilizing dynamic covalent chemistry.” Because of the element’s versatility and utility in numerous industries, scientists have long been interested in the synthesis of distinct carbon allotropes (forms).
Over the years, scientists have employed traditional methods to generate a variety of allotropes, including fullerene and graphene. In 1996 and 2010, researchers working on these materials were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Unfortunately, these approaches do not allow for the large-scale synthesis of distinct forms of carbon, which is essential for the production of Graphyne. Because of this stumbling block, Graphyne remained a theoretical substance with unknown electrical, mechanical, and optical properties.
Researchers in the field approached Wei Zhang, the research article’s co-author, and his lab group. Zhang is a chemistry professor at CU Boulder who specializes in reversible chemistry. Reversible chemistry allows bonds to self-correct, allowing new types of ‘lattices’ (ordered structures) to be created, such as synthetic polymers that imitate DNA.
The researchers used an alkyne metathesis method, as well as thermodynamics and kinetic control, to build a new type of material with conductivity comparable to graphene but with more control. Alkyne Metathesis is an organic reaction in which alkyne chemical bonds are redistributed (cutting and forming). Alkynes are hydrocarbons having at least one triple covalent bond between carbon and carbon.
The material has been created successfully. However, the team needs to look into a lot more specifics, such as how to make it on a wide scale and how to manipulate it for various use cases. These efforts will aid in the understanding of the material’s electrical and optical properties, allowing it to be utilized in lithium-ion battery applications.
Featured Image: Yiming Hu, scitechdaily.com
💫FOLLOW US FOR MORE UPDATES. ❌WE DO NOT HAVE IRRITATING AND SPAMMY NEWSLETTERS. ✅EVERYTHING IS AND WILL BE FREE FOREVER. SEE YOU AGAIN IN YOUR STORIES AND FEED 🙂
