International Exchange Award: Graphene nanoribbons synthesis via on-surface methods for nanoelectronics and quantum technology applications

Ashok Keerthi, a Presidential Academic Fellow and Vikas Sharma, a Postdoctoral Research Associate, both from the University of Manchester were awarded an M4QN international exchange award to visit Prof Roman Fasel and Dr. Gabriela Borin Barin at EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland. The visit took place from 16-21 March 2026.

Graphene nanoribbons synthesis via on-surface methods for nanoelectronics and quantum technology applications

Ashok and Vikas’ visit to EMPA involved productive meetings with Dr. Gabriela Borin Barin (group leader for Prof. Romen Fasel) and her group members. They engaged in detailed discussions about the key challenges in designing and synthesizing porous and planar graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) on gold surfaces. The conversation focused on existing issues related to GNR stability and explored their future potential in nanoelectronics and quantum information technology applications. During the visit, Vikas and Ashok had the opportunity to tour their advanced synthesis and characterization facilities for GNRs on gold surfaces. This included exposure to state-of-the-art equipment such as in-situ scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM), and Raman spectroscopy systems. I gained valuable insights into the critical steps for developing GNRs on surfaces, including polymerization and cyclodehydrogenation processes, as well as techniques for visualizing GNR topology through STM imaging.

This experience provided Vikas with practical knowledge of cutting-edge methodologies that could potentially be implemented at The University of Manchester if similar facilities become available. The collaborative discussions and technical demonstrations significantly enhanced my understanding of current research frontiers in graphene nanoribbon development and their promising applications in next-generation electronic and quantum technologies.

Benefits to the UK materials and quantum community

This visit significantly benefits the UK materials and quantum community by fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the cutting-edge field of graphene nanoribbons. The insights gained into advanced synthesis and characterization techniques for nanographenes on gold surfaces directly address challenges in developing atomically precise high-quality materials for quantum technologies. The acquired expertise in materials design, stability, and potential applications in nanoelectronics and quantum technologies aligns well with the core objectives of the ‘materials for quantum network’ initiative. This knowledge transfer paves the way for novel quantum devices and applications, contributing to the UK’s strategic goals in quantum technology.

Visit Outcomes

The visit helped our collaboration on ‘Electronic and Vibrational Properties of On-Surface-Synthesized Gulf-Edged Chiral Graphene Nanoribbons’ and established a joint research roadmap. To strengthen long-term collaboration, a plan has been drawn up to further funding opportunities. To solidify the 2 group’s shared goals, one or two follow-up visits have been scheduled for later this year.