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Iron-Catalyzed Laser-Induced Graphitization Enabling Current Collector-Free Electrodes With Spatially Tunable
Christopher H Dreimol1,2, Jesper Edberg3, Ronny Kürsteiner1
1Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|August 1, 2025
Summary
Iron-catalyzed laser-induced graphitization (IC-LIG) offers an eco-friendly method for manufacturing carbon electrodes. This sustainable approach yields highly conductive, functional electrodes suitable for advanced energy storage applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Manufacturing
Background:
- Traditional carbon electrode manufacturing methods often involve energy-intensive processes and non-renewable materials.
- There is a growing need for sustainable and eco-efficient alternatives in materials manufacturing, particularly for energy storage devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize iron-catalyzed laser-induced graphitization (IC-LIG) as a sustainable method for creating carbon electrodes.
- To explore the tunability of IC-LIG electrodes through precursor ink formulation and laser treatment for diverse applications.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a bio-based tannic acid-iron precursor ink with tunable rheology.
- Application of the precursor ink using various techniques: spray coating, screen printing, and direct-ink-writing (DIW).
- CO2 laser treatment for graphitization and functionalization of the precursor ink into conductive electrodes.
Main Results:
- Achieved sheet resistance of 23.59 ± 1.2 Ω □⁻¹ on renewable substrates using IC-LIG.
- Demonstrated versatile electrode fabrication via spray coating, screen printing, and DIW, including thick (260 µm) patterns.
- Characterized multilayer electrode structures with distinct graphitized top layers and iron-rich nanoparticle composite bases.
- Electrochemical analysis showed double-layer capacitor behavior and pseudo-capacitive characteristics, with stable capacities of 15 mF cm⁻² over 5000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- IC-LIG provides an eco-efficient and versatile route for fabricating high-performance carbon electrodes from renewable resources.
- The tunable nature of the precursor ink and laser post-treatment allows for tailored electrode properties.
- IC-LIG electrodes show significant potential for sustainable advanced energy storage devices.
