Graphite nanoribbons prepared by graphitization of poly(4-phthalimide) nanoribbons

[Display omitted] •Polyphthalimide nanoribbons were prepared by the reaction-induced crystallization method.•Width of polyphthalimide nanoribbons obtained was ca. 150nm.•Polyphthalimide nanoribbons were intertwined to form aggregates of diameter 1–2μm.•The graphitized nanoribbons was a typical turbostratic carbon. Highly crystalline polyphthalimide nanoribbons were prepared by the reaction-induced crystallization of oligomers during solution polymerization. Polymerization of 1-hexyl 4-aminophthalate and 2-hexyl 4-aminophthalate was carried out at 330°C in alkyl naphthalene oil. The polyphthalimide nanoribbons had an average width of 150nm, and were intertwined to form aggregates of diameter 1–2μm. The polyphthalimide nanoribbons were carbonized/graphitized at 1000–2800°C to yield graphite nanoribbons consisting of typical graphitized turbostratic carbon. These were polycrystalline with an average interlayer spacing of 0.34nm.