Nanographene, single-molecule layered sheets of graphite, has a unique electronic structure which depends on the shape of its edge.  The non-bonding pi electrons in the zig-zag edge, not available in traditional materials, can be used in many nanotechnology applications. 

 

In their Dalton Transactions Perspective article, Toshiaki Enoki and Kazuyuki Takai from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, highlight the use of nanographene as a base material for graphene host-guest materials.  The unique electronic properties of the nanographene can lead to unique properties in the guest atom or molecule.  For example, potassium atoms can be magnetic, molecular oxygen can create large magnetoresistance for spintronic applications and helium atoms can be detected through their interaction with the graphene edge. 

 

The future is very bright for this material, in particular as the magnetic properties of these nanographene sheets can be tailored by cutting the sheets in particular directions and modifying the edge with guest molecules, allowing greater control of the material's properties.