Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons from the Oxidative Opening of Carbon Nanotubes Retain Electrochemically Active Metallic Impurities

Metallic impurities: Graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) are commonly synthesized using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a precursor (see picture). The CNTs contain significant amounts of metallic impurities even after purification. These impurities persist after oxidative opening of the CNTS to GONRs and heavily influence the electrochemical behavior of the resulting material.