Laser Graphene Preparation with Copper Foil Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing graphene by liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation face challenges such as low efficiency, lack of flexibility, instability, and non-automated operation, which hinder mass production and industrial application.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a moving platform, reaction chamber, and pulsed laser system with beam expansion and splitting, magnetic fields, and automated control, which enhances graphene production efficiency by optimizing plasma interaction and deposition on copper foils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation method is used to prepare graphene, then the quality of graphene is improved, but the preparation efficiency and material utilization rate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a copper foil substrate as an intermediary medium. Graphene segments generated by laser ablation in liquid are deposited onto the copper foil surface, which acts as a mediator to collect and concentrate the graphene products. This resolves the contradiction by providing a collection surface that improves material utilization while maintaining the quality benefits of liquid-phase ablation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including laser power, pulse duration, liquid flow rate, and copper foil position to maximize both graphene quality and preparation efficiency. By systematically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high-quality graphene production with improved material utilization rate and preparation speed simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation is used, then graphene quality is improved, but subsequent separation and purification processes increase complexity and reduce yield
Solution Approach 1:
The copper foil substrate serves as an intermediary that simplifies the separation process. Graphene deposits directly onto the foil during laser ablation, eliminating the need for complex separation and purification steps. The foil can be easily removed and processed, significantly reducing operational complexity and improving overall yield.
3Productivity
If automated multi-system coordinated work operation is implemented, then preparation efficiency and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple subsystems (laser system, liquid circulation system, copper foil transport system, and control system) into a coordinated automated platform. By merging these systems with unified control, the device achieves high preparation efficiency and stability while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than separate independent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device design incorporates multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. For example, the liquid circulation system simultaneously cools the laser target, removes debris, and controls the chemical environment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If mechanical exfoliation method is used, then graphene quality is improved, but mass production capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical exfoliation process with laser-based ablation in liquid. Instead of using adhesive tapes and manual peeling, the system uses pulsed laser energy to directly convert graphite into graphene on copper foil. This substitution maintains high graphene quality while enabling continuous, scalable production suitable for mass manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device improves graphene preparation efficiency, stability, and automation, enabling higher yields and facilitating industrial-scale production while minimizing contamination and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The laser irradiates the material in an aqueous solution, which generates gas plasma plumes composed of neutral carbon atoms, carbon ions, free radicals and hydrogen, and oxygen ions instantaneously
Implementation Method 2
After a series of complex photothermal changes, the plasma plume rapidly expands around to generate a high-pressure shock front, which induces a plasma shock wave
Implementation Method 3
The strong shock wave has big momentum to move a few graphene segments out of graphite
Implementation Method 4
The moving plasma is subjected to the Lorentz force and the circulating deionized water in the magnetic field, which accelerates the contact between graphene and copper foil
Implementation Method 5
After the cooling process, hundreds of nanometer-sized carbon layer segments form amorphous carbon clusters and graphene layers on the surface of the Cu foil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for preparing graphene by means of laser irradiation in liquid, comprising a laser generating system, and further comprising a computer control system, a cleaning and drying system, and a workpiece auxiliary system. The light spot diameter of the laser emitted from a pulse laser unit (26) is increased by means of a beam expander (24), and the laser is reflected and split by a beam splitter to form two laser beams; a first laser beam (19) shocks the right vertical plane of a graphite solid target (18) by means of a focusing lens, and a second laser beam (17) shocks the left vertical plane of the graphite solid target (18) by means of the focusing lens, so as to grow graphene on a copper foil (5) substrate.