Design, Synthesis and Applications of Phospha(twisted)NanoGraphenes

Project Information

PhosphatNGs

Grant agreement ID: 101087685

DOI

10.3030/101087685

EC signature date 21 April 2023

Start date 1 July 2023

End date 30 June 2028

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 1 999 375,00

EU contribution

€ 1 999 375,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DE CASTILLA - LA MANCHA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PhosphatNGs (Design, Synthesis and Applications of Phospha(twisted)NanoGraphenes)

Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The race to develop flexible electronics, smart sensors, and wearable technologies is reshaping how we interact with devices and materials. At the core of these innovations are nano-graphitic molecules (NGs), nanometric carbon-based structures with exceptional electronic and optical properties. These molecules are already used in microelectronics, and they hold enormous potential for next-generation applications such as artificial skin, neural interfaces, and ultra-thin flexible circuits.
Yet, NGs remain limited by their flat shape and rigid chemical structure. To truly unlock their capabilities, we need to twist their framework, enrich their chemistry, and find ways to control how they interact in space, all without compromising their performance.
This is where the Phospha(t)NGs project introduces a radical new direction. By inserting phosphorus-containing rings into the carbon backbone of NGs, we are creating entirely new classes of molecular materials. Phosphorus brings a powerful set of tools: it changes the geometry of the molecules, adds new chemical functions, and, critically, allows us to control how the molecules organize themselves into larger, functional structures.
Through this pioneering approach, Phospha(t)NGs aims to: develop versatile synthetic methods to build twisted phosphorus–NG hybrids never seen before, guide molecular self-assembly using the combined forces with phosphorus functionalities to build ordered 2D and 3D materials; uncover how twisting and heteroatom substitution dramatically transform electronic, optical, and chiroptical properties, enabling new functionalities. and build prototype devices, including ultra-sensitive field-effect transistors and molecular materials with tunable emission colors and chiral recognition, pushing the frontiers of molecular electronics.
The expected outcomes are game-changing. This project is not just creating new molecules, it is opening an entirely new frontier in materials science. The discovery of molecules that change color as they self-assemble, or that can be used to detect molecular handedness, could lead to revolutionary advances in chemical sensing, data storage, bioelectronics, and responsive materials.
By bridging cutting-edge synthetic chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology, Phospha(t)NGs is delivering breakthroughs that challenge the current limits of what molecular materials can do, and setting the stage for innovations that extend far beyond the scope of today’s technologies.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The Phospha(t)NGs project is opening new doors in the world of smart materials by creating entirely new types of molecules—ones that combine the strength of carbon-based structures with the versatility of phosphorus chemistry. These molecules are designed to organize themselves, respond to their environment, and potentially power the next generation of electronic devices.
Over the first part of the project, we have made significant progress:
Designing next-generation molecules: We have developed brand-new molecular building blocks by introducing phosphorus into flat, carbon-rich scaffolds. This gives us powerful control over how these molecules behave, how they absorb light, conduct electricity, and interact with one another.
Building intelligent self-assembling systems: Using carefully chosen nitrogen-containing fragments, we created molecules that naturally recognize each other and connect. Like pieces of a puzzle, they snap into place using hydrogen bonds and phosphorus-related interactions. This allows us to guide how the molecules line up and build larger, well-organized structures, crucial for future applications in flexible electronics or sensors.
Discovering new light behaviors: In the lab, we observed a surprising shift in how these molecules emit light. Over time, the color of their glow changed from blue to red. This unexpected phenomenon reveals that the materials are not static, they evolve, and their optical properties change as they assemble. This could lead to smart coatings or sensors that respond to time, temperature, or their environment.
First tests in electronic devices: With the help of specialists in organic electronics, some of our new molecules were tested in tiny electronic components. These early tests, using field-effect transistor prototypes, show that our materials have real potential for use in future devices, like wearable sensors or ultra-thin displays, although further investigation is required
Creating new chemical pathways: Behind all of this innovation is a lot of chemistry. We developed more efficient ways to build the complex molecular frameworks needed for our designs, especially those with twisted shapes that give the materials their unique properties.
Altogether, these achievements are setting the stage for a new class of functional materials, smart, responsive, and useful. Phospha(t)NGs is proving that by combining elements in new ways, we can rethink how molecules behave, and how they might power future technologies.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The Phospha(t)NGs project has opened the door to a completely new class of smart materials that go beyond what is currently possible in the world of molecular design and electronics. By combining advanced carbon-based frameworks with the unique chemical flexibility of phosphorus atoms, we have developed a toolbox to create next-generation nano-materials that are not only more adaptable but also capable of self-organization, something essential for building efficient, miniaturized electronic components.
One of our key breakthroughs so far was designing molecules that can recognize and connect to each other through subtle forces, like pieces of a high-tech molecular puzzle. This feature, combined with the ability of phosphorus to modify electronic properties, puts our materials at the forefront of molecular electronics. We also observed a new color-shifting phenomenon, never documented before, which could pave the way for responsive materials used in sensing or anti-counterfeit technologies.
These results go far beyond what traditional materials in this field can offer. However, even though the project still needs to move forward in its development, to ensure that these innovations lead to real-world applications, we anticipate several critical steps:
- Further research and demonstration: We need to continue synthesizing and testing these families of molecules in more complex devices to show how they behave in real-life environments.
- Access to industrial partners and finance: Once all families of molecules will be tested, collaborations with the electronics and materials industry will be essential to scale up production and integrate these materials into commercial products.
- Intellectual property support: As some of the discoveries are entirely new, patenting and protecting key technologies will be important to technology transfer and ensure long-term impact.
- Internationalisation and collaboration: Continue to build international partnerships, especially with advanced materials research hubs, will help bring global visibility and foster new applications.
Thus, Phospha(t)NGs is not just advancing knowledge, it’s first steps are reshaping the possibilities in how we design and use molecular materials in the digital age. With the right support, the path is open for these materials to contribute to Europe’s leadership in clean, smart, and connected technologies.