Electrochemical energy storage performance of one-step laser written Cu-C composites

Abstract

One-step laser written copper-carbon (Cu-C) composites are ideal for assembling supercapacitors, but their structuring-performance correlation remains unclear. In this study, the microstructure of written composites has been controlled by varying the laser power. Their electrochemical energy storage performance has been investigated and compared to reveal the contribution of each component. The porous carbon-rich (C-rich) structure, introduced by laser carbonization of the substrate, can provide abundant active sites for the Faraday reaction of the copper-rich (Cu-rich) structure. The continuous sintered Cu-rich structure, obtained by laser reduction of ionic precursor and in-situ joining, can ensure fast transfer of electrons in the composites. Owing to their synergistic effect, our optimal composite exhibits an excellent specific capacity of 107.2 C/cm2 at 1 mA/cm2. This study provides a theoretical reference for the development of high-performance supercapacitors.