Graphene is a two-dimensional form of crystalline carbon, either a single layer of carbon atoms forming a hexagonal lattice or several coupled layers of this honeycomb structure. Graphene is a parent form of all graphitic structures of carbon. However, the field of graphene science and technology is relatively new. Progress depends not only on the basic science but also on the development of new ways to produce graphene on an industrial scale. The present study is focused primarily upon the thermal transport characteristics of graphene nanoribbons. The thermal transport characteristics of graphene nanoribbons are studied using molecular dynamics simulations and by experimental measurements. A specific heat flux is imposed through the graphene nanoribbon. The graphene nanoribbon is considered as a single layer of carbon atoms with each atom bound to three neighbors in a honeycomb structure. The thermal conductivity is determined from the temperature gradient obtained and the heat flux imposed. The present study aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the thermal transport properties of graphene nanoribbons. Particular emphasis is placed upon the effect of various factors on the thermal conductivity of graphene nanoribbons under different conditions. the results indicate that the mean free path of phonons depends on the nanoribbon structure and dimensions. The thermal conductivity increases with increasing nanoribbon length. Graphene nanoribbons offer tremendous promise for providing enhanced transport performance. Graphene undergoes a metallic-to-semiconducting transition as the nanoribbon width decreases. The properties of graphene nanoribbons are highly dependent on their width and edge structure. The graphene nanoribbons can be derived through the longitudinal splitting of carbon nanotubes.

Keywords: Graphene nanoribbons; Graphitic structures; Carbon nanotubes; Carbon nanofibers; Thermal properties; Thermal conductivity