Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject includes permanent-charge-bearing phenothiazinc derivatives that are redox-active, have beneficial solubility, and do not require supporting salts when used in redox flow battery applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of polycyclic aromatic compounds and methods of making and using the same. Various different types of polycyclic ring systems are disclosed, including, but not limited to, polymeric aromatic compounds (e.g., nanographene compounds), pentacene-like compounds, chiral aromatic compounds, asymmetric arene compounds formed from naphthalene-, anthracene-, phenanthrene-, and pyrene-based starting compounds, and dimerized aromatic compounds. Also disclosed herein are novel benzannulation-based methods for making the disclosed polycyclic aromatic compounds.