Electric field induced transformation of carbon nanotube to graphene nanoribbons using Nafion as a solid polymer electrolyte

We report a remarkable transformation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, average diameter 40 nm) to graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) in response to a field gradient of ∼25 V/cm, in a sandwich configuration using a solid state proton conducting polymer electrolyte like a thin perfluorosulphonated membrane, Nafion. In response to the application of a constant voltage for a sustained period of about 24 h at both room temperature and elevated temperatures, an interesting transformation of MWCNTs to GNRs has been observed with reasonable yield. GNRs prepared by this way are believed to be better for energy storage applications due to their enhanced surface area with more active smooth edge planes. Moreover, possible morphological changes in CNTs under electric field can impact on the performance and long term stability of devices that use CNTs in their electronic circuitry.