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Flexible graphene oxide electrodes by laser radiation

Country of Origin: Spain
Reference Number: TOES20180713002
Publication Date: 17 September 2018

Summary

A Spanish research institution together with a Romanian University have developed a method for the manufacture of low-cost flexible electrodes obtained from laser processing of graphene oxide (GO) films. Planar electrodes with low electrical resistance and high capacitance per unit area can be obtained, ideal for applications in electrochemical sensors and energy storage (supercapacitors).

Industrial partners are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement.

Description

Graphene-based materials present extraordinary electrical, mechanical and thermal properties, which make them special for applications in flexible electronics and electrochemical devices. The graphene oxide (GO) with its subsequent reduction (rGO) is the most used because of its lower cost and greater dispersion capacity. However, the re-oxidation and pyrolysis of the rGO when exposed to high temperatures is a drawback when manufacturing stable electrodes.

The present method is an alternative technique for obtaining a stable rGO by laser radiation. The treatment consists of irradiating with visible light a GO membrane deposited on a flexible polymeric support, protected on both sides with sheets transparent to visible light. Their function is to eliminate the oxygen reabsorption and to avoid the re-oxidation and pyrolysis of the rGO. After the process, the irradiated zone becomes rGO, while the non-irradiated zone remains intact as GO. This enables the design of electrodes with different patterns (see figures (a) and (b)).

The conditions of the treatment considerably reduce the resistance of the material and increase its electrochemical response (capacitance values of 120 mF / cm2). In addition, the rGO obtained has great mechanical stability and adhesion to the substrate. 

The Spanish research centre and the Romanian University are searching for a Company interested in the development and commercialization of this method under a license agreement.The researchers involved in the technology have broad experience in the area and are open to collaborate with possible interested industrial partners.

Advantages and Innovations

- Fabrication of flexible and stable electrodes with greater thickness than those obtained by current laser processes.



- Better performance in terms of resistance and capacitance per unit area than existing laser-based techniques.



- Versatile and cost effective method, suitable for both highly integrated and large-scale graphene-based device applications.



- More ecological process than current methods that use organic / toxic solvents or thermal treatments.



- Application in many fields: energy (supercapacitors, portable electronics, photovoltaic devices), sensors (chemical and biological sensors) and catalysis.

Stage Of Development

Available for demonstration

Requested partner

We are looking for industrial partners, from the sector of batteries and supercapacitors technology, companies interested in the use and exploitation of this fabrication method, under patent license.