Graphene nanoribbons (GNR) are narrow strips of graphene a few carbon atoms wide. Depending on the precise dimensions and the repeating shapes formed by carbon atoms along the longitudinal edge of the nanoribbons, they can be electric conductors or semiconductors. This exquisite control over a GNRs' electrical properties opens up applications in nano-electronics. Up to now, bottom-up synthesis of GNRs was limited to either all-on-surface or all-solution-based methods. Each approach had unique advantages and disadvantages. All-on-surface allows the exploration of electronic properties but limits the control of critical structure parameters, such as the length of the nanoribbons. All-solution-based approaches, in contrast, overcome these structural limitations but offer limited control over electronic properties relevant for nanotechnology.
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