Cellulose acetate as novel precursor to synthesize laser induced graphene

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a three-dimensional porous graphene-like material, rapidly synthesized by directly irradiating carbon-rich precursors. Its simple production process, time efficiency, eco-friendliness and low cost have made LIG and its derivatives highly attractive for a wide range of applications. The increasing need to reduce environmental impact, alongside the urgent demand to drastically cut CO2 emissions, has driven efforts to promote a circular economy, encouraging the exploration of sustainable materials and innovative processes. Biodegradable materials derived from natural resources, such as lignocellulosic materials, are being investigated for the production of LIG, offering a promising opportunity to mitigate plastic pollution, especially in advanced technological applications like energy storage. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), this thesis focuses on converting cellulose acetate into LIG and using the resulting material as electrodes for supercapacitors. This approach promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials and provides a green alternative for future energy systems. The study initially examined the effects of lasing parameters on Kapton, followed by the optimization of focal plane distance, laser power, and scanning speed for cellulose acetate (CA). The materials generated from the lasing process were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and sheet resistivity measurements via the Van der Pauw method, as well as static sessile drop tests. Once optimal conditions for producing high-quality CA-LIG were identified, proof-of-concept supercapacitors were fabricated and electrochemically characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements. While this work underscores the potential of cellulose acetate-derived LIG for sustainable energy storage, further refinement of laser parameters and device architecture is required to minimize resistive losses and enhance overall efficiency.