Graphene nanoribbons synthesis by gamma irradiation of graphene and unzipping of multiwall carbon nanotubes

Abstract

In this chapter, we have considered the possible usage of γ-rays for the synthesis of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). At the same time, we have performed a comparative study of GNR properties produced by two different methods: γ-irradiation of graphene and unzipping of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This chapter focuses mainly on the structure of synthesized GNRs. A few different characterization techniques were used to observe changes in morphology and structure of irradiated graphene and unzipped MWCNTs: Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force and transmission electron microscopy. It was established that γ-rays carved graphene along a particular family of crystallographic directions in the basal plane. GNRs produced by two different methods vary in length, width, and height.