Graphene Nanoribbons from Electrostatic-Force-Controlled Electric Unzipping of Single- and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

An electrostatic forces (EF)-controlled electric unzipping method was developed for producing graphene nanoribbon (GNR) from both single- (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Experimentally, an electrostatic generator was employed by taking its two electrodes with opposite charges to alternatively link to the metal vessel and the CNT/water solution to form two oppositely electric cycles corresponding to the EF in enhancement or reduction, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that this applied method can unzip both the SWCNT and MWCNT into relative GNRs. During the EF-controlled electric unzipping process, the concentration increases and EF-controlled in reduction model can produce GNRs with enhanced width and quality.

Graphene Properties, Synthesis and Applications: A Review

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Unzipping Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes under Vortex Fluidic Continuous Flow

“…A number of methods have been reported for unzipping carbon nanotubes to produce GNRs, including electron-beam lithography, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and the unzipping of both multiwalled (MWCNTs) and single-walled (SWCNTs) carbon nanotubes. − The most practical method thus far for the fabrication of GNRs on a large scale is the unzipping of MWCNTs. , Partial or full unzipping of carbon nanotubes in the formation of GNRs has been established using different techniques, notably electrochemical unzipping, intercalation–exfoliation using ammonia, chemical attack, in situ joule heating, plasma etching, and liquid-phase exfoliation using a surfactant . Regardless of the scalability of some of the methods mentioned, they suffer from some safety and environmental issues. ,− These include the use of harsh chemical reagents such as H 2 SO 4 /KMnO 4 .…”