DNA-directed assembly of graphene homostructures

H Haosen Miao (Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London , Mile End Road, London E1 4NS,) K Kai Chen H Houlin Yu (Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London , Mile End Road, London E1 4NS,) M Mehamed Ali (Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London , Mile End Road, London E1 4NS,) M Matteo Palma (Department of Chemistry)

Abstract

We present a DNA-directed strategy for the programmable assembly of graphene homostructures, enabled by covalent DNA functionalization of azidated graphene nanosheets. Azidated graphene was synthesized via established electrochemical exfoliation methods and further refined by cascade centrifugation to control flake size and thickness. Complementary single-stranded DNA linkers were covalently attached to the graphene surface using copper-free click chemistry. Upon hybridization, DNA strands bridged individual graphene flakes into vertical and lateral junctions. Fluorescence recovery based on Cy5 labeling and dynamic light scattering confirmed successful DNA-guided assembly. The assembled structure configurations were investigated by atomic force microscopy and conductive AFM, highlighting the linking and insulating role of DNA tethered between flakes. This approach offers a modular platform for the construction of graphene–graphene architectures via biomolecular assembly.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 138, Issue 4
Published July 28, 2025
ISSN 0021-8979
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Journal of Applied Physics

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0021-8979 Physical Sciences

Authors (5)

H

Haosen Miao

Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London , Mile End Road, London E1 4NS,

K

Kai Chen

H

Houlin Yu

Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London , Mile End Road, London E1 4NS,

M

Mehamed Ali

Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London , Mile End Road, London E1 4NS,

M

Matteo Palma

Department of Chemistry