Fabricating Graphene and Nanodiamonds from Lignin by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation

Abstract

This study demonstrates a new transformation path from lignin to graphene and nanodiamonds (NDs) by femtosecond laser writing in air at ambient temperature and pressure. Graphene nanoribbon rolls were generated at lower laser power. When the laser power was high, NDs could be obtained apart from graphene and onion-like carbon intermediates. These structures were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The effects of laser power and laser writing speed on the structure of laser-induced patterns were investigated. The results show that the laser power was more important than the writing speed for the synthesis of carbon nanoparticles, and high laser power contributed to enhanced electrically conductive performance. Therefore, the direct laser irradiation technique leads a simple, low-cost, and sustainable way to synthesize graphene and NDs and is promising for the fabrication of sensors and electric devices.

Upgrading Lignin into Graphene‐Based Materials: State of the Art and Perspectives

“…For example, Lin et al prepared the substrates by pressing kraft lignin powder into tablets, which can be used for femtosecond laser irradiation. [ 58 ] Onion‐like carbon and nanodiamond with layered graphene structures were obtained on the tablet surface. However, it had a relatively low conductivity as reflected by high sheet resistance (306–39180 Ω sq −1 ).…”

Bioderived Laser-Induced Graphene for Sensors and Supercapacitors

“…It is also worth mentioning the use of nanolignin as the LIG precursor. NanoKL/CNF films 139 and nanoKL tablets 140 were converted into nanodiamonds through laser-induced pyrolysis in an air environment with a 1030 nm femtosecond laser. SEM images showed that the tablets created bubbles when scribed with the laser, but the electrical performances were better than those of films (sheet resistance of 306 Ω/□ instead of 510 Ω/ □).…”