Exploiting multivalent nanoparticles for the supramolecular functionalization of graphene with a nonplanar recognition motif.

The supramolecular modification of planar graphene with the geometrically mismatched, curved 9,10-di(1,3-dithiole-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (exTTF) molecule is demonstrated. The exTTF-graphene interaction is governed by π-π and CH-π interactions, with a negligible contribution from charge transfer. We amplified these weak forces through multivalent gold nanoparticles. Our results show that planarity is not a prerequisite for recognition motifs for graphene.