Laser-Induced Graphene Tuning for Conductivity and Wettability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fabricating high-resolution conductive circuits and tuning the morphology, conductivity, and wettability of laser-induced graphene (LIG) patterns are inefficient and require multiple steps, making them non-scalable and costly, with existing techniques often compromising on electrical conductivity or mechanical robustness for hydrophobicity.
Innovation Solution
A one-step, mask-free process using a CO2 laser to create and pattern LIG with adjustable electrical conductivity, surface morphology, and wettability, allowing for the creation of highly conductive and hydrophobic surfaces through controlled laser scribing parameters, enabling the production of scalable and cost-effective LIG structures for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple-step fabrication methods are used to tune LIG morphology, conductivity, and wettability, then the desired functional properties can be achieved, but the fabrication process becomes complex and non-scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fabrication steps into a single laser scribing process. The laser parameters (power, speed, pulse duration) are optimized to simultaneously achieve carbonization, pore formation, and wettability control in one pass, eliminating the need for separate carbonization and hydrophobization steps required by conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting laser scribing conditions (power density, scanning speed, pulse frequency) to control the degree of carbonization and surface morphology. By varying these parameters, the process achieves different levels of conductivity and wettability without additional fabrication steps
2Shape
If conventional multi-step methods are used to achieve hydrophobicity, then water contact angle increases, but electrical conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes laser parameters specifically to achieve hydrophobicity while preserving conductivity. Higher power density and optimized scanning speeds create a carbonized surface with appropriate porosity that achieves water contact angles >150° while maintaining sheet resistance <300 Ω/sq, unlike conventional methods that sacrifice conductivity
3Reliability
If conventional multi-step fabrication is used, then LIG properties can be tuned, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges carbonization, pore formation, and wettability tuning into a single laser scribing operation. This eliminates the sequential steps of carbonization followed by separate hydrophobization treatments, reducing fabrication time from multiple steps to one continuous process while maintaining property control
Solution Approach 2:
The laser scribing process performs preliminary carbonization and surface structuring in one step, creating the hydrophobic surface directly during the carbonization process itself, rather than requiring subsequent post-treatment steps
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
This method enables the fabrication of LIG structures with high electrical conductivity and mechanical robustness while achieving desired wettability, allowing for the creation of advanced devices such as multiplexed biosensors and energy storage modules with improved performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
A one-step, mask-free process using a CO2 laser to create and pattern LIG with adjustable electrical conductivity, surface morphology, and wettability
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the creation of highly conductive and hydrophobic surfaces through controlled laser scribing parameters
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods for tuning the structure, conductivity, and/or wettability of laser induced graphene for a variety of functions including but not limited to multiplexed open microfluidic environmental biosensing and energy storage devices. Aspects of this invention introduce a one-step, mask-free process to create, pattern, and tune laser-induced graphene (LIG) with a ubiquitous CO2 laser or other laser. The laser parameters are adjusted to create LIG with different electrical conductivity, surface morphology, and surface wettability without the need for post chemical modification. This can be done with a single lasing. By optionally introducing a second (or third, fourth, or more) lasing(s), the LIG characteristics can be changed in just the same one step of using the laser scribing without other machines or sub-systems. One example is a second lasing with the same laser sub-system at low laser power, wherein the wettability of the LIG can be significantly altered. Such films presented unique superhydrophobicity owing to the combination of the micro/nanotextured structure and the removal of the hydrophilic oxygen-containing functional groups. The ability to tune the wettability of LIG while retaining high electrical conductivity and mechanical robustness allows rational design of LIG based on application.