Laser-induced Graphitization of Lignocellulosic Nanofiiber and Lignin-based Substrate

Abstract

Laser-induced graphitization (LIG) has emerged as a promising technique for the synthesis of conductive carbon materials. This process involves the controlled ablation of a material using a laser beam, leaving behind a patterned conductive carbon material. This technology has garnered significant attention due to its potential applications in the fabrication of all-carbon electronics, including electronics, energy storage devices, and new technology. Current methods for laser-induced graphitization often rely on expensive pulsed lasers and petroleum-derived polymer substrates, limiting their scalability and sustainability. Additionally, recent research explores using renewable substrates, such as wood, cellulose paper, and other biomaterials for laser scribing, these approaches often necessitate the addition of harmful chemicals, such as fire retardants or metal catalysts, undermining their environmental and economic advantages.To address these limitations, the present study investigated laser-induced graphitization of lignin-coated filter paper pre-adsorbed with cellulose nanofibrils using a low-cost, continuous diode laser with an output power of 10W. The Taguchi method, a statistical design of experiments technique, was employed to optimize the laser processing parameters and achieve tailored electrical conductivity and kerf roughness. As-synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized using four-point probe resistance measurements, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to elucidate their structural and electrical properties. This work demonstrates a sustainable and cost-effective approach to laser-induced graphitization using lignocellulosic nanofiber and lignin-based substrate in combination with a continuous wave laser, offering a promising pathway for scalable fabrication of carbon-based electronics.