Paper-based laser-induced graphene for sustainable and flexible microsupercapacitor applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a promising material for flexible microsupercapacitors (MSCs).
• Current LIG-MSC research often uses unsustainable polymeric substrates like polyimide.
• There is a need for cost-effective and sustainable methods for LIG-MSC production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective, reproducible, and robust method for preparing LIG structures on chromatography paper.
• To utilize borax as a fire-retardant agent for laser processing of paper substrates.
• To demonstrate the potential of paper-based LIG-MSCs for flexible, low-cost, and portable electronics.

Main Methods:

• One-step laser direct writing on chromatography paper soaked in a 0.1 M sodium tetraborate solution (borax).
• Characterization of LIG properties including sheet resistance and electrode/electrolyte interface.
• Fabrication and testing of microsupercapacitors using the prepared LIG electrodes.

Main Results:

• Achieved low sheet resistance (30 Ω sq⁻¹) and improved electrode/electrolyte interface for LIG on paper.
• Demonstrated specific capacitances of 4.6 mF cm⁻² at 0.015 mA cm⁻² for the LIG-MSCs.
• Exhibited excellent cycling stability (>10,000 cycles at 0.5 mA cm⁻²) and good mechanical properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach for producing LIG on paper for flexible microsupercapacitors.
• Paper-based LIG-MSCs show potential as reliable energy storage devices for flexible electronics.
• The flexible design allows for adaptation to various power requirements and applications.