Graphene as Atomic Template and Structural Scaffold in the Synthesis of Graphene-Organic Hybrid Wire with Photovoltaic Properties

The dual role of graphene (or reduced graphene oxide) as atomic template and structural scaffold in the nucleation and assembly of organic nanostructures is demonstrated. The pi-pi stacking interactions between graphene and aromatic organic molecules affords synergistic binding interactions, with the host and guest assuming the interchangeable roles of atomic template and structural scaffold. Beginning with the seeding of organic wires on graphene template, the outgrown organic wires in turn act as one-dimensional scaffolds where graphene sheets coat around to form a unique graphene-organic hybrid structure. Using this pi-assembly approach, we have synthesized one-dimensional hybrid structures consisting of graphene-N,N'-dioctyl-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide (PDI) organic wires. This hybrid structure shows enhanced performance over its individual components in donor-acceptor type (PDI-Graphene/polythiophene) solar cells.