Methods for preparation of graphene nanoribbons from carbon nanotubes and compositions, thin films and devices derived therefrom

A method for preparing oxidized graphene nanoribbons, said method comprising:

• providing a plurality of multi-wall carbon nanotubes;
• and
• reacting the plurality of multi-wall carbon nanotubes with at least one oxidant in the presence of at least one acid;
• wherein the reacting occurs under conditions where the at least one oxidant longitudinally opens the multi-wall carbon nanotubes by breaking carbon-carbon double bonds along the longitudinal axes of the multi-wall carbon nanotubes to form oxidized graphene nanoribbons that are structurally intact, and
• wherein each multi-wall carbon nanotube produces individual oxidized graphene nanoribbon.

A method for preparing oxidized graphene nanoribbons, said method comprising:

• providing a plurality of multi-wall carbon nanotubes;
• and
• reacting the plurality of multi-wall carbon nanotubes with at least one oxidant in the presence of at least one protective agent and at least one acid;
• wherein the reacting occurs under conditions where the at least one oxidant longitudinally opens the multi-wall carbon nanotubes by breaking carbon-carbon double bonds along the longitudinal axes of the multi-wall carbon nanotubes to form oxidized graphene nanoribbons that are structurally intact, and
• wherein each multi-wall carbon nanotube produces individual oxidized graphene nanoribbon is.