The Chemical Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons—A Tutorial Review

Abstract

AbstractGraphene, graphene oxide (GO), and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are important materials that are related through their carbon‐based planar structures and attractive physical properties. Many applications have been proposed for these materials, such as composites, touch‐screen displays, and electronic devices. Based on research done in the Tour laboratory, we offer a tutorial on the solution phase chemical synthesis of GNRs through two routes. The first route involves the oxidation of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to produce GO nanoribbons that contain oxidized functionality and that can be reduced to GNRs. The second route to GNRs involves the splitting of MWCNTs by intercalation of potassium metal at elevated temperature. The routes are complementary and produce materials that can be used in diverse applications.