Researchers are the first to grow self-directed graphene nanoribbons on the surface of the semiconducting material germanium. This allows the semiconducting industry to tailor specific paths for nanocircuitry in their technologies.

Schematic image, showing the PCBM nanoribbons, comprising four PCBM molecules organized side by side. The grey balls represent the fullerene molecules (each consist of 60 carbon atoms), and the attached side arms are characteristic for PCBM molecules. The white “speed tracks” represent the ability for the nanoribbons to form electronic …