Abstract Left-handed, coiled, 4,4′-biphenylene bridged polybissilsesquioxane, tubular nanoribbons were prepared according to the published literature. After carbonization and removal of silica using HF aqueous solution, left-handed, coiled, carbonaceous, tubular nanoribbons were obtained. The left-handed, coiled, carbonaceous, tubular nanoribbons were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrophotometer, diffuse reflectance circular dichroism (DRCD), and N 2 adsorptions. Micropores were formed due to the removal of silica. The nitrogen BET surface area is 1727 m 2 /g. A broad, positive DRCD signal, identified at 400–800 nm, indicates the carbonaceous, tubular nanoribbons exhibit optical activity. The helical pitch is proposed to play an important role in the position of the DRCD signal.