The presence of graphitic nitrogen atoms within graphene nanoribbons has been predicted to strongly affect their electronic properties, but its experimental formation within such structures remains challenging. Here, the authors report on the on-surface synthesis of pyridine-extended 7-armchair graphene nanoribbons on Au(111), whereby graphitic nitrogen is preferentially formed after complete planarization through the formation of C–N bonds.
- Nicolò Bassi
- Xiushang Xu
- Pascal Ruffieux