Laser-Induced Graphene: En Route to Smart Sensing

The discovery of laser-induced graphene (LIG) from polymers in 2014 has aroused much attention in recent years. A broad range of applications, including batteries, catalysis, sterilization, and separation, have been explored. The advantages of LIG technology over conventional graphene synthesis methods are conspicuous, which include designable patterning, environmental friendliness, tunable compositions, and controllable morphologies. In addition, LIG possesses high porosity, great flexibility, and mechanical robustness, and excellent electric and thermal conductivity. The patternable and printable manufacturing process and the advantageous properties of LIG illuminate a new pathway for developing miniaturized graphene devices. Its use in sensing applications has grown swiftly from a single detection component to an integrated smart detection system. In this minireview, we start with the introduction of synthetic efforts related to the fabrication of LIG sensors. Then, we highlight the achievement of LIG sensors for the detection of a diversity of stimuli with a focus on the design principle and working mechanism. Future development of the techniques toward in situ and smart detection of multiple stimuli in widespread applications will be discussed.