N-graphene synthesized in astrochemical ices

In our quest for the presence of large complex molecules containing a majority carbon in interstellar medium (ISM), search graphene plays central role due to its nature making other structures. Although ingredients synthesis are present ISM, conclusive laboratory evidence such formation is lacking. Therefore, experiments simulating cold ISM conditions, we subjected icy mantles benzonitrile, an aromatic with cyanide side chain that has recently been detected medium, vacuum ultraviolet photon irradiation. The irradiated ice was observed leave residue upon warming room temperature. removed from substrate and placed on Quantifoil grid electron microscopy analysis. Transmission showed quantum dots (QD) nitrogen-doped (N-Graphene) sheets. Diffraction energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed crystalline carbon–nitrogen composition, sheet. This first QD N-graphene irradiation at temperatures.