Research Progress on Modification of Graphene Oxide by Laser Reduction and Its Application
In recent years, the two-dimensional nanomaterial graphene has attracted widespread attention due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. Various methods have been developed for the preparation of graphene. Traditional methods such as micromechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition suffer from issues such as low efficiency and high cost. In contrast, the reduction of GO (graphene oxide) is widely used in large-scale production of graphene due to its simplicity and low cost.Laser processing within the realm of graphene synthesis has emerged as a high-precision methodology, characterized by its capacity to induce both photothermal and photochemical reactions simultaneously. Through the adjustment of laserparameters, the structures and properties of materials can be precisely controlled, significantly enhancing processing efficiency. The utilization of laser irradiation enables the generation of graphene structures and facilitates patterned processing. Moreover, laser reduction of GO exhibits advantageous characteristics, including non-toxicity, catalyst-free operation, a non-contact nature, and high controllability, rendering it an ideal approach for processing rGO (reduced graphene oxide). The complex nature of laser-graphene interactions presents challenges in determining whether the reduction process occurs via photothermal or photochemical mechanisms, or a combination of both. Hence, starting from the exploration of the underlying mechanism behind the laser reduction of GO, the work aims to analyze the effect of photothermal and photochemical effects during the laser reduction process.The key aspects of laser-induced surface modification of GO were elucidated, including non-mask patterned modification, hierarchical structuring, heteroatom doping, and formation of metal/metal oxide composites. Achievable through laser-induced selective reduction, non-mask patterned modification and hierarchical structuring allow the creation of complex graphene patterns with high resolution. Heteroatom doping, accomplished by incorporating foreign atoms into the graphene lattice via laser irradiation, enhances the material properties and widens its potential applications. Additionally, laser-assisted deposition of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles onto rGO sheets enables the development of composite materials with enhanced properties and functionalities. Moreover, an overview of the applications of LRGO (laser-reduced graphene oxide) in flexible optical devices and electronic devices is provided. A table lists the typical applications of laser processing of GO, covering laser parameters, applications, properties, and performance. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of device performance, exemplified by lenses, polarizers, sensors, capacitors, and other representative devices.Finally, a comprehensive summary of the challenges existing in the field of LRGO research is made. Firstly, the mechanism takes precedence, necessitating an in-depth study of the complex interactions between photothermal and photochemical effects during the laser reduction process. Secondly, the challenges exist in scale production and uniformity, requiring the overcoming of cost and efficiency limitations to achieve large-scale preparation of GO and ensure the uniformity of the prepared product. Additionally, it is essential to delve into the correlation between the structure and performance of LRGO after laser reduction. These recommendations aim to guide future research directions, such as expansion of applications in multiple fields, precision structure and surface control, and research on environmentally friendly preparation methods, fostering the broader application of LRGO across various domains.
laser opticsreduction of graphene oxidemodificationpatterningelectronic devices