A process for the transformation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to nanoribbons composed of a few
layers of
graphene by a two-step electrochemical approach is disclosed in this invention. This consists of the oxidation of CNTs at controlled potential, followed by reduction to form
graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) having smooth edges and fewer defects, as evidenced by multiple characterization techniques, including
Raman spectroscopy, atomic force micro-scopy, and
transmission electron microscopy. This type of ‘unzipping” of CNTs (single-walled, multi-walled) in the presence of an interfacial
electric field provides unique advantages with respect to the orientation of CNTs, which might make possible the production of GNRs with controlled widths and fewer defects. The extent of oxidation was confirmed by various characterization techniques like XRD, XPS and
Raman spectroscopy. In the second step of experiments, the CNT
oxide were reduced for different periods such as 4, 8, 12 hours at fixed negative potentials of −0.5 V, so as to get
layers of
graphene ribbons as tabulated herein.