Ambipolar Transport in Solution-Synthesized Graphene Nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with robust electronic band gaps are promising candidate materials for nanometer-scale electronic circuits. Realizing their full potential, however, will depend on the ability to access GNRs with prescribed widths and edge structures and an understanding of their fundamental electronic properties. We report field-effect devices exhibiting ambipolar transport in accumulation mode composed of solution-synthesized GNRs with straight armchair edges. Temperature-dependent electrical measurements specify thermally activated charge transport, which we attribute to inter-ribbon hopping. With access to structurally precise materials in practical quantities and by overcoming processing difficulties in making electrical contacts to these materials, we have demonstrated critical steps toward nanoelectric devices based on solution-synthesized GNRs.