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Graphene nanoribbon is a novel variety of graphene with high length-to-width ratio and straight edges. Herein, we report an improved method for the synthesis of graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) from longitudinal unraveling of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by means of a one-step, one-pot pressurized oxidation reaction. The obtained GONRs were characterized by different techniques. Furthermore, owing to their unique properties such as strong optical absorption and good water dispersibility, we show that GONRs can be used as an excellent matrix or probe in matrix-assisted or surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI or SELDI MS) for the first time. In MALDI MS, GONRs generated significantly higher signals than conventional organic matrix and other graphene-based matrices in the detection of low-mass compounds. We also demonstrate the use of GONRs as a sensitive SELDI probe for simultaneous detection of multiple small molecules and profiling of small molecules in complex environmental samples, thus revealing its application potential in rapid screening of low-mass pollutants in complex media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Graphenized pencil lead fiber was prepared by in situ exfoliation of graphite. [•] The exfoliation was achieved by a one-pot, one-step pressurized oxidation reaction. [•] The fiber was used as a highly efficient, low-cost, and robust fiber for SPME. [•] Four bisphenol analogs (BPA, BPS, BPAF and TBBPA) were selected as analytes. [•] The fiber was applied in analysis of tap water and WWTP effluent samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To be mild! Mild oxidization of chemically converted graphene with diluted nitric acid produces low‐oxidation and low‐defect acid‐oxidized graphene (AOG) material with excellent water dispersibility (see scheme). In MALDI MS, the AOG matrix yielded significantly higher signals than graphene, graphene oxide, and conventional organic matrices for nonpolar analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]