In this chapter, a series of molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out to explore the self‐assembly of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) induced by the single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Simulation results show that GNRs can insert and wrap SWCNTs spontaneously, forming helical configurations and maximizing the π‐π stacking area between graphene and SWCNT. The helical configuration takes the least amount of energy and achieves the maximum occupancy. The size and function group of GNR and SWCNT should meet the required conditions to guarantee the self‐assembly in insertion and wrapping processes. Several GNRs can spiral in an SWCNT simultaneously, and two formulas have come up in this study to estimate the quantity threshold for multiple GNR spiralling. The rolled GNRs can also spontaneously insert into SWCNTs, forming a DNA‐like double helix, or collapsing to a linked double graphitic nanoribbon and wrapping in a helical manner around the tube.
Part of the book: Graphene Materials