The Chemical Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons-A Tutorial Review

Graphene, 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. Review: Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) can be produced using a variety of chemical methods. The solution‐based chemical synthesis of GNRs through oxidation or reduction of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes using protocols developed in the Tour group is reviewed, giving the reader an overview that benefits from the hindsight of several years of research in the group.