Compared to sp2-hybridized graphene, graphdiynes (GDYs) composed of sp and sp2 carbon are highly promising as efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction into oxygen peroxide because of the high catalytic reactivity of the electron-rich sp-carbon atoms. The desired catalytic capacity of GDY, such as catalytic selectivity and efficiency, can theoretically be achieved by strategically steering the sp-carbon contents or the topological arrangement of the acetylenic linkages and aromatic bonds. Herein, we successfully tuned the electrocatalytic activity of GDYs by regulating the sp-t ..read more

The finite periodic arrangement of functional nanomaterials on the two-dimensional scale enables the integration and enhancement of individual properties, making them an important research topic in the field of tuneable nanodevices. Although layer-controllable lattices such as graphene have been successfully synthesized, achieving similar control over colloidal nanoparticles remains a challenge. DNA origami technology has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in programmed nanoparticle assembly. Based on this technology, we proposed a hierarchical assembly strategy to construct a universal DNA ori ..read more

Nanographenes (NGs) produced by top-down methods carry multiple functional groups. We utilized this aspect for the reproduction of purple light by adding red- and blue-light emitting fluorophores. Based on our results, NGs can be utilized as carriers of fluorophores capable of generating intermediate colors of light. Abstract Photoluminescence (PL) color can be tuned by mixing fluorophores emitting the three primary colors in an appropriate ratio. When color tuning is achieved on a single substrate, we can simplify device structures. We demonstrated that nanographenes (NGs), which are graphene ..read more

Graphene, a transparent two-dimensional conductive material, has brought extensive new perspectives and prospects to various aqueous technological systems, such as desalination membranes, chemical sensors, energy storage, and energy conversion devices. Yet, the molecular-level details of graphene in contact with aqueous electrolytes, such as water orientation and hydrogen bond structure, remain elusive or controversial. Here, we employ surface-specific heterodyne-detection sum-frequency generation (HD-SFG) vibrational spectroscopy to re-examine the water molecular structure at a freely suspend ..read more

The electrochemical reductive valorization of CO2, referred to as the CO2RR, is an emerging approach for the conversion of CO2-containing feeds into valuable carbonaceous fuels and chemicals, with potential contributions to carbon capture and use (CCU) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Copper surfaces and graphene-embedded, N-coordinated single metal atom (MNC) catalysts exhibit distinctive reactivity, attracting attention as efficient electrocatalysts for CO2RR. This review offers a comparative analysis of CO2RR on copper surfaces and MNC catalysts, highlighting their unique characterist ..read more

We developed an innovative operando plasmon-enhanced IR spectroelectrochemistry technique for the sensitive detection of interfacial species during electrochemical reactions. This platform is established by plasmonic antennae electrically connected via monolayer graphene and exhibits a remarkable signal enhancement. The enhanced IR features enable the reconstruction of electrochemical curves and the elucidation of reaction mechanisms. Abstract IR spectroelectrochemistry (EC-IR) is a cutting-edge operando method for exploring electrochemical reaction mechanisms. However, detection of interfacia ..read more

A topological phase transition, mediated by oxygen vacancies, is discovered in free-standing Ni-Co oxides supported on graphene aerogel. This phase transition introduces NiCoO2/NiCo2O4 heterojunction in the surface region, thus improving the catalytic activity thanks to a strong internal electric field and gradient oxygen vacancies. This synergistic effect balances the surface activation of CO2 and desorption of *CO intermediates, resulting in an exceptional photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity and selectivity. Abstract Weak adsorption of gas reactants and strong binding of intermediates pres ..read more

A novel MoS2/(reduced graphene quantum dots) hybrid featuring ultra-large interlayer spacing, superior electrical conductivity/hydrophilicity, and robust layered structure demonstrates highly reversible NH4 +/Zn2+/H+ co-insertion/extraction chemistry in aqueous Zn-based batteries, where NH4 + and H+ can serve as “gap-filling” ions to improve the utilization rate of active sites and screen electrostatic interactions to facilitate the Zn2+ diffusion. Abstract The utilization rate of active sites in cathode materials for Zn-based batteries is a key factor determining the reversible capacities. Ho ..read more

Two dimensional (2D) metastable-phase oxides, which combine the distinctive characteristics of metal oxides, 2D materials, and metastable-phase materials, have attracted significant attention. This Minireview predicts the occurrence and highlights the advantages, reliable syntheses, and catalytic applications of 2D metastable-phase oxides. Abstract Since the discovery of graphene, the development of new two-dimensional (2D) materials has received considerable interest. Recently, as a newly emerging member of the 2D family, 2D metastable-phase oxides that combine the unique advantages of metal ..read more

Undesired reaction pathways of open-shell graphene fragments can be synthetically useful! To demonstrate their transformative potential, we employed oxidative dimerization of phenalenyl to peropyrene—the well-known π-radical “decomposition” process—to build up strain and access negatively curved and configurationally stable chiral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Abstract Reactions of open-shell molecular graphene fragments are typically thought of as undesired decomposition processes because they lead to the loss of desired features like π-magnetism. Oxidative dimerization of phenalenyl to pe ..read more