Low-Temperature Layer-by-Layer Growth of Semiconducting Few-Layer γ-Graphyne to Exploit Robust Biocompatibility

Abstract

Copyright © 2023 American Chemical Society. The sp-hybridized carbon network in single- or few-layer gamma-graphyne (gamma-GY) has a polarized electron distribution, which can be crucial in overcoming biosafety issues. Here, we report the low-temperature synthesis, electronic properties, and amyloid fibril nanostructures of electrostatic few-layer gamma-GY. ABC stacked gamma-GY is synthesized by layer-by-layer growth on a catalytic copper surface, exhibiting intrinsic p-type semiconducting properties in few-layer gamma-GY. Thickness-dependent electronic properties of gamma-GY elucidate interlayer interactions by electron doping between electrostatic layers and layer stacking-involved modulation of the band gap. Electrostatic few-layer gamma-GY induces high electronic sensitivity and intense interaction with amyloid beta (i.e., A beta(40)) peptides assembling into elongated mature A beta(40) fibrils. Two-dimensional biocompatible nanostructures of A beta(40) fibrils/ few-layer gamma-GY enable excellent cell viability and high neuronal differentiation of living cells without external stimulation.