Advance in Close-Edged Graphene Nanoribbon: Property Investigation and Structure Fabrication

The absence of dangling bonds in close-edged graphene nanoribbons (CEGNRs) confers upon them a series of fascinating properties, especially when compared with cylindrical carbon nanotubes and open-edged GNRs. Here, the configuration of CEGNRs is described, followed by the structure-related properties, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties. Based on the unique structures and extraordinary properties, their potential applications in a variety of fields, such as field-effect transistors, energy suppliers, nanoactuators, and fibers, are discussed. Remarkably, the strategies applied for generating CEGNRs, mainly from the collapse of carbon nanotubes and graphene tubes, are depicted in detail. Finally, the prospects in the research area of CEGNRs are proposed.