An effective, large-scale synthesis strategy for producing graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with a nearly 100% yield has been proposed using a stepwise, solution-based, lengthwise unzipping carbon nanotube (CNT) method. Detailed Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggest that GNRs with tunable density of oxygen-containing functional groups on the GNR surfaces can be synthesized by adjusting the oxidant concentration during the CNT unzipping. The electrochemical characterization reveals that the as-produced GNRs with 42.91 atomic percent (atom %) oxygen-containing functional groups deliver a capacity of 437 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at 0.33C, while the as-produced GNRs with higher oxygen-containing functional groups only present a capacity of 225 mAh g(-1). On the basis of the electrochemical assessment and XPS analysis, the funtionals groups (epoxy-, carbonyl-, and carboxyl groups) in GNRs could be the effective contributor for the high-performance Li-ion batteries with appropriate adjustment.
Keywords: anode; graphene nanoribbon; lithium ion battery; oxygen-functional groups; unzipping.