Domino games: Controlling structure and patterns of carbon nanomaterials in 2D & 3D

This perspective article reviews and conceptualizes some paths towards structured nanoobjects made of carbon. We focus on possibilities where controlled patterns within 2D carbon planes or in 3D volume objects are important as they are able to enhanced or even introduce new properties. For instance, one can pattern electron poor and electron rich domains of carbon, resulting in donor-acceptor based charge separation and transport. A novel chemistry towards such designer carbons, however, can only be made accessible if control over (high temperature) reactions can be introduced and improved, i.e. product geometry and properties have been determined throughout the condensation reaction as early as possible. The task is to transcribe dynamic but at the same time very ordered monomers and monomer patterns into functional carbons, while keeping the targeted structure as much as possible. Here, precursors with encoded information and the utilization of (natural) assembly and bonding schemes such as strong H-bridges, polymeric character, Coulomb forces or metal coordination are promising tools and presented. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.