Graphene Nanoribbons - Production

Production

Large quantities of width controlled GNRs can be produced via graphite nanotomy process shown by Berry group, where sharp diamond knife application on graphite produces graphite nanoblocks, which are exfoliated to produce GNRs. GNRs can also be produced by unzipping or cutting open nanotubes. In one such method by Tour group multi-walled carbon nanotubes were unzipped in solution by action of potassium permanganate and sulfuric acid. In another method by Dai group GNRs were produced by plasma etching of nanotubes partly embedded in a polymer film. More recently, graphene nanoribbons have been grown onto silicon carbide (SiC) substrates using ion implantation followed by vacuum or laser annealing. The latter technique allows one to write any pattern onto SiC substrates with 5 nm precision.