Laser-induced graphene: synthesis advances, structural tailoring, enhanced properties, and sensing applications

Abstract

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a 3D porous material formed through a scalable, patternable, single-step, and cost-effective laser manufacturing technique, using a CO₂ laser on carbon-rich materials in an ambient atmosphere. Since its discovery, LIG has gained significant research attention, elucidating its mechanism of formation and diverse applications. LIG has great electrical conductivity, high specific surface area, and good mechanical flexibility. The physical, electrical, and electrochemical properties of LIG can be enhanced by tuning its structural morphology for a variety of applications. This review provides an overview of different types of 3D structured graphene, with a focus on laser graphitization of polymer precursor to produce LIG, examining its morphological structure and materials properties. We discuss, in detail, the impact of laser conditions and materials precursors on the structure and properties of LIG. We also review different LIG functionalization techniques and discuss LIG-based sensors, including physical sensors, chemical sensors, and multi-sensors in sensing applications. Finally, we comprehensively discuss the current challenges and future opportunities regarding LIG.