10 Dec 2014 | Jian Lin1,2, Zhiwei Peng3, Yuanyue Liu1, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda4, Ruquan Ye3, Errol L.G. Samuel3, Miguel Jose Yacaman4, Boris I. Yakobson1,2,3 & James M. Tour1,2,3
A one-step, scalable method is presented for producing and patterning porous graphene films from commercial polymer films using a CO₂ infrared laser. The process converts sp³-carbon atoms to sp²-carbon atoms through photothermal conversion, resulting in laser-induced graphene (LIG) with high electrical conductivity. LIG can be patterned into interdigitated electrodes for microsupercapacitors with specific capacitances exceeding 4 mF cm⁻² and power densities of ~9 mW cm⁻². Theoretical calculations suggest that the unique ultra-polycrystalline lattice of pentagon-heptagon structures in LIG enhances its capacitance. The technique allows for roll-to-roll manufacturing, enabling the rapid production of polymer-written electronic and energy storage devices. LIG is formed from commercial polymer films in air, offering a cost-effective and scalable approach. The method involves laser scribing to create 3D porous graphene structures, which are characterized using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, and FTIR. The LIG films exhibit high surface areas and porosity, with a surface area of ~340 m²/g and pore sizes <9 nm. The electrical performance of LIG-based microsupercapacitors is evaluated, showing high specific capacitance and power density. Theoretical modeling indicates that the ultra-polycrystalline nature of LIG, with abundant grain boundaries, enhances its electrochemical performance. The study demonstrates the potential of LIG for energy storage applications, with the ability to deliver high capacitance and power density. The results suggest that LIG could be a promising material for next-generation energy storage devices.A one-step, scalable method is presented for producing and patterning porous graphene films from commercial polymer films using a CO₂ infrared laser. The process converts sp³-carbon atoms to sp²-carbon atoms through photothermal conversion, resulting in laser-induced graphene (LIG) with high electrical conductivity. LIG can be patterned into interdigitated electrodes for microsupercapacitors with specific capacitances exceeding 4 mF cm⁻² and power densities of ~9 mW cm⁻². Theoretical calculations suggest that the unique ultra-polycrystalline lattice of pentagon-heptagon structures in LIG enhances its capacitance. The technique allows for roll-to-roll manufacturing, enabling the rapid production of polymer-written electronic and energy storage devices. LIG is formed from commercial polymer films in air, offering a cost-effective and scalable approach. The method involves laser scribing to create 3D porous graphene structures, which are characterized using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, and FTIR. The LIG films exhibit high surface areas and porosity, with a surface area of ~340 m²/g and pore sizes <9 nm. The electrical performance of LIG-based microsupercapacitors is evaluated, showing high specific capacitance and power density. Theoretical modeling indicates that the ultra-polycrystalline nature of LIG, with abundant grain boundaries, enhances its electrochemical performance. The study demonstrates the potential of LIG for energy storage applications, with the ability to deliver high capacitance and power density. The results suggest that LIG could be a promising material for next-generation energy storage devices.