Dr Michele Pizzochero from the Department of Physics has published two studies in Nano Letters exploring the emergence of quantum properties in quasi-one dimensional carbon nanostructures by engineering their edges.

In one study, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, the team investigated fullerene nanoribbons—materials made from chains of carbon “buckyball” (C₆₀) molecules. By carefully modifying the edges of these nanoribbons through the addition of an extra fullerene molecule, the researchers showed that it is possible to create tiny, well-controlled magnetic units known as spin-1/2 centres in the otherwise non-magnetic material. These spins can arrange themselves into an antiferromagnetic chain, a system where neighbouring spins point in opposite directions. Such systems are of great interest as they provide a clean platform for studying quantum magnetism and many-body effects.

In a second study, in collaboration with the University of Rome, researchers explored how similar nanoribbon systems can be used to engineer topological electronic states. Topology is a powerful concept in modern physics that describes properties of materials that are robust against imperfections. The team showed how specific atomic arrangements at the edges of the nanoribbons can be used to produce chiral electronic states —exotic phenomena that can give rise to unusual, energy-efficient transport. This work connects abstract mathematical ideas from topological band theory with chemical design, offering a new “bottom-up” approach to realise nanostructures with tailored quantum properties. This paper was highlighted on the journal cover.

Together, these results position carbon-based nanoribbons as a promising platform for next-generation quantum devices, ranging from quantum simulators to energy-efficient electronics.

References • Bo Peng & Michele Pizzochero, Designing Antiferromagnetic Spin-1/2 Chains in Janus Fullerene Nanoribbons, Nano Letters 26, 6034 (2026) • Vasil A. Saroka, Victor A. Demin, Michele Pizzochero, Topological Engineering of Chiral Anomalies in Janus Nanoribbons, Nano Letters 26, 6532 (2026)