| Abstract Scope |
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) represents a unique synthesis pathway for directly converting polymer precursors into functional nanocarbon through localized, non-equilibrium photothermal processing. In this talk, I present a process-centric framework for understanding and controlling LIG formation, emphasizing growth mechanisms, morphology evolution, and compositional tunability. By systematically varying laser fluence and rate of energy delivery, we identify distinct transitions between porous, cellular, and fibrous nanocarbon morphologies, revealing underlying process–structure relationships that govern material properties. We further demonstrate synthesis of heteroatom-doped graphene through molecularly engineered polymer precursors, enabling controlled incorporation of N, F, and S without post-processing steps. Additionally, spatial control of processing enables hierarchical structuring and functional surfaces with tunable wetting, electrical, electrothermal, and electrochemical properties. These results establish LIG as a scalable, single-step synthesis route for designing multifunctional nanocarbon materials with programmable structure and composition for advanced flexible, wearable, and implantable devices. |