Laser-induced glassy carbon nanofiber trees

Abstract

Here we report the synthesis of laser-induced glassy carbon nanofiber trees (CNFT). Unlike the previously reported laser-induced graphene (LIG) and laser-induced graphene fibers (LIGF), the CNFT do not have a highly graphenized nanostructure, as demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Since the CNFT are formed under conditions that usually ablate the carbon precursors, they have until recently escaped notice as a laser-induced carbon nanomaterial. We were able to both collect the CNFT in bulk using a vacuum attachment near the laser head, or we could retain the CNFT as an aerogel carpet on surfaces through the addition of water underneath our carbon precursor. We demonstrated the applicability of the CNFT as a promising energy storage material through testing a CNFT carpet on copper foil as an electrode material for anode-free lithium metal batteries. The cell exhibits low overpotential, a small nucleation energy barrier, and good cycling stability.