Step edge-mediated assembly of periodic arrays of long graphene nanoribbons on Au(111).

The influence of substrate steps on the bottom-up synthesis of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) on an Au(111) surface is investigated. Straight surface steps are found to promote the assembly of long and compact arrays of polymers with enhanced interchain π-π stacking interactions, which create a steric hindrance effect on cyclodehydrogenation to suppress the H passivation of polymer ends. The modified two-stage growth process results in periodic arrays of GNRs with doubled average length near step edges.