Rice University Develops Gas Sensors from Laser-Induced Graphene

Scottsdale, AZ - April 24, 2019 - Graphene is a form of carbon valued for its unique material properties including high charge mobility, mechanical strength, and thermal conductivity. Since laser-induced graphene (LIG) was discovered at Rice University, laser technology has received considerable attention as a simple way to synthesize porous graphene. Through ongoing research, the numerous practical applications for LIG continue to expand, from water treatment to supercapacitors and wearable body-condition sensors. Most recently, the research team at Rice University published an article in ACS Nano describing the efficacy of LIG as a gas-sensing material. The team created flexible graphene gas sensors which were able to determine the composition of various gas mixtures through thermal conductivity. They were also able to incorporate these sensors into a cement composite, representing a big step towards “smart” construction materials and the overall adoption of carbon-based electronics.

The research at Rice University was made possible through the use of Universal Laser Systems XLS10MWH laser platform to produce superhydrophilic LIG.

Reference: Laser-Induced Graphene for Flexible and Embeddable Gas Sensors. Michael G. Stanford, Kaichun Yang, Yieu Chyan, Carter Kittrell, and James M. Tour. ACS Nano 2019 13 (3), 3474-3482. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b09622

About Universal Laser Systems, Inc.

Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS) is a global manufacturer of laser material processing solutions, committed to advancing applied CO₂ and fiber laser technology. Through the development of laser sources, software and beam delivery systems, as well as extensive research in laser material-processing, ULS provides its customers with innovative, cost-effective and flexible laser solutions for present and future needs. For more information, visit www.ulsinc.com.