Comparative analysis of different methods for graphene nanoribbon synthesis
2013
Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are thin strips of graphene that have captured
the interest of scientists due to their unique structure and promising
applications in electronics. This paper presents the results of a comparative
analysis of morphological properties of graphene nanoribbons synthesized by
different methods. Various methods have been reported for graphene nanoribons
synthesis. Lithography methods usually include electron-beam (e-beam)
lithography, atomic force microscopy (AFM) lithography, and scanning
tunnelling microscopy (STM) lithography. Sonochemical and chemical methods
exist as well, namely chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and anisotropic
etching. Graphene nanoribbons can also be fabricated from unzipping carbon
nanotubes (CNTs). We propose a new highly efficient method for graphene
nanoribbons production by gamma irradiation of graphene dispersed in
cyclopentanone (CPO). Surface morphology of graphene nanoribbons was
visualized with atomic force and transmission electron microscopy. It was
determined that dimensions of graphene nanoribbons are inversely proportional
to applied gamma irradiation dose. It was established that the narrowest
nanoribbons were 10-20 nm wide and 1 nm high with regular and smooth edges.
In comparison to other synthesis methods, dimensions of graphene nanoribbons
synthesized by gamma irradiation are slightly larger, but the yield of
nanoribbons is much higher. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used
for structural analysis of graphene nanoribbons. Results of photoluminescence
spectroscopy revealed for the first time that synthesized nanoribbons showed
photoluminescence in the blue region of visible light in contrast to graphene
nanoribbons synthesized by other methods. Based on disclosed facts, we
believe that our synthesis method has good prospects for potential future
mass production of graphene nanoribbons with uniform size, as well as for
future investigations of carbon nanomaterials for applications in
optoelectronics and biological labeling.
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