A method of forming graphene nanostripes includes providing a substrate comprising at least one of copper foil or nickel foam and subjecting the substrate to a reduced pressure environment in a processing chamber. The method also includes providing methane gas and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB) gas, flowing the methane gas and the 1,2-DCB into the processing chamber, and establishing a partial pressure ratio of 1,2-DCB gas to methane gas in the processing chamber. The partial pressure ratio is between 0 and 3. The method further includes generating a plasma, thereafter, exposing the at least a portion of the substrate to the methane gas, the 1,2-DCB gas, and the plasma, and growing the graphene nanostripes coupled to the at least a portion of the substrate.