Laser Ablation Technique Research Articles

Laser liquid ablation for silver nanoparticles synthesis and conjugation with hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 treatment

Synthesis, characterization, and anchorage studies of pristine silver nanoparticles were achieved. That would later be followed by the conjugation of the synthesized silver nanoparticles with hydroxychloroquine, a compound that is commonly identified as active against plasmodium, a malaria-causing agent. The synthesis of the pristine silver nanoparticles was achieved through laser ablation, a physical method. To achieve different concentrations and sizes of the nanoparticles, various parameters such as time and pulse repetition frequencies were varied. The base medium of the ablation was distilled water of 10 ml for every process of ablation. The laser ablation technique used proved effective in the production of silver nanoparticles spherical in shape and of the size range between 16 nm and 30 nm as deduced from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) characterization techniques. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of AgNPs in the synthesized solution of silver nanoparticles, while the UV–Vis results showed that the absorption peak of AgNPs occurred at 403 nm. Through these findings, the use of laser ablation, a physical technique in the synthesis of AgNPs, is shown to be cost-effective and environmentally friendly with the properties of the nanoparticles proving to be effective for biomedical applications later in this work.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) versus transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): prospective and comparative study.

We aimed to compare the first-year results of Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the gold standard method, and Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) techniques. This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled, and single-center and was conducted between November 2021 andFebruary 2023. TURP candidates were included in the study. Demographic data and perioperative data were recorded. Preoperative and first-year International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Erectile Function Index (IIEF-5), Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD), QoL, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), prostate volume (PV) and postvoid residual (PVR) data were recorded. Fifty patients were included in the study and were assigned to equal numbers of groups. TPLA group had a higher ASA score (p = 0.03). There was improvement in IPSS, Qmax, and PVR parameters compared to baseline values in both groups at 1year (p < 0.01). The improvement in Qmax was better in the TURP group (p < 0.01). IIEF-5 score was similar between groups (p = 0.83 and p = 0.12, respectively). The MSHQ scores in the first year did not change according to their baseline values in the TPLA group (p = 0.54 and p = 0.34, respectively). According to the first-year results of TPLA, the symptomatic improvement effect without sacrificing ejaculatory functions is comparable to TURP. We think that this method will can be an alternative, especially for patients who want to avoid ejaculatory dysfunction, who have a high risk of anesthesia, and whose anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy cannot be discontinued.

Laser Synthesis of Cerium-Doped Garnet Nanoparticles.

The application of a pulsed laser ablation technique for the generation of cerium-doped garnet nanoparticles in liquids is investigated. The morphological and optical properties of the obtained nanoparticles are demonstrated. Features introduced by the single crystals of Gd3Al2.4Ga2.6O12:Ce3+, Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+, and Y3Al1.25Ga3.75O12:Ce3+ from which the nanoparticles are generated, as well as the parameters of a liquid media on the garnet nanoparticle generation are experimentally studied using TEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy methods. It is shown how the size, shape, and internal structure of the nanoparticles are related to the external laser ablation conditions, as well as to the laser melting processes of NPs in the colloidal solutions. This work provides important information about the generated nanoparticles, which can be used as building blocks for specially designed structures with predetermined optical properties.

Preparation and characterization of PbS nanoparticles by laser ablation technique

Preparation and characterization of PbS nanoparticles by laser ablation technique

Closed randomized comparative study of great saphenous vein crossectomy laser ablation versus standard laser technique to minimize recurrence in the treatment of primary varicose veins

Background Incompetence at the saphenofemoral junction (SF) is the most common cause (70%) of varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) uses laser energy to ablate incompetent axial veins selectively and was originally described for the treatment of GSV reflux and its related varicosities. The venous system is a network of interconnected vessels; any preserved inflow of the saphenous-femoral mouth can cause postoperative recurrence. However, according to the literature, the greatest risk of recurrence is associated with the stump of the GSV of venous tributaries, including great venous trunks parallel to the GSV in the thigh. Aim of the work Comparison of the standard endovenous laser ablation technique (1.5–2 cm from SFJ) versus crossectomy ablation for the treatment of varicose veins regarding recurrence of reflux and incidence of endovenous heat-induced thrombus (EHIT) in the first week. Patients and methods In all, 80 patients admitted to Ain Shams University Hospitals and Alexandria Armed Forces Hospital from Jan. 1st, 2021 to Jan. 30th, 2023 participated in the study. The patients were divided evenly into two groups: Participants were randomly assigned to one of the trial groups using the sealed envelope method.Group A was treated by ablation of the great saphenous vein at the saphenofemoral junction (0 cm from SFJ) using 1470 nm radial double-ring diode laser fibers (ELVeS Radial 2ring™ fiber) and Biolitec Ceralas E1470/15 W laser machine. Group B was treated by ablation of the great saphenous vein at 1.5–2 cm from the saphenofemoral junction using the same laser fiber and machine. Ablation was done after putting an appropriate amount of tumescent anesthesia (500 mg lidocaine, 1 mg of epinephrine, and 12.5 mEq sodium bicarbonate added to a 1-liter solution of 0.9% normal saline). The ultrasound machine was used for the accurate placement of the laser fiber. Postoperative duplex was done on day 1, 1 week, and at 6, 12, and 18 months. Results Mean age: 39.28+/– 12.27 years in both groups; M/F: 23/17 in the first group, 20/20 in the second group. Postoperative duplex showed the absence of reflux in both groups after 1 day, after 6 months. One patient (2.5%) in group A and four patients (10%) in group B showed recurrent reflux, while recurrent refluxes were observed in one case (2.5%) in group A and five cases (12.5%) in the other group after 12 and 18 months of follow-up. One patient (2.5%) developed superficial thrombophlebitis along the course of the ablated great saphenous vein in both groups while extension to the deep veins was not detected in both groups. Conclusion Crossectomy (ablation at 0 cm at SFJ) ablation of varicose veins with 1470 radial double rings and nm diode laser with an appropriate amount of tumescent showed better results with less recurrence rate due to neovascularization or tributaries left than the standard technique of endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins (1.5–2 CM from SFJ). Along with showing a lesser incidence of thermal propagation into the deep system (EHIT) both crossectomy and standard techniques showed the same complication rate regarding venous thrombosis.

A Prospective Study of Comparison between Open Trendelenburg Operation, Radiofrequency Ablation, EVLA, and Glue Technique for the Management of Varicose Veins

Background: Varicose veins are a subset of Chronic Venous disorders, including spider, reticular, varicose, and leg oedema. In our country, varicose veins are common surgical problems most commonly seen in low socio-economic groups and associated with certain occupation(s). Varicose veins have been known to affect the quality of life (QoL) leading to changes in occupation. Surgical treatment methods such as Saphenofemoral Junction (SFJ) Ligation and Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) stripping with spinal or general anaesthesia, Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA), Endovascular Laser Ablation (EVLA) and GLUE Technique within the operating room are considered in patients who remain refractory to conservative management and continue being symptomatic. Aim &amp; Objectives: The study aimed to compare the outcome and associated post-operative complications, including Deep Venous Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism or Paresthesia, and Ecchymosis, with various modalities in the management of varicose veins. Material and Methods: The study was performed at a tertiary care centre which included 200 patients over a period of one year and was evaluated in the basis of VCSS &amp; VDS scores. Results: We observed that all treatment protocols demonstrated results which improved the general physical condition of patients with the least number of complications. Treatment for varicose veins encompasses open surgeries and Endovenous techniques (EVLA and RFA), which show comparative results in clinical improvement, complications and postoperative hospital stay. Both VCSS and VDS are sensitive tools for measuring clinical outcomes of treatments of venous disease. However, the choice of appropriate tool is dependent upon the type of treatment, the Surgeon ‘s personal experience, availability of resources, durations of hospital admission and cost of treatment.

The initial oxidation behavior of a UCxN1-x layer prepared by the pulsed laser ablation in the 1:1 N2+CH4 atmosphere

The uranium surface is CN-co-doped by the pulsed laser ablation technique in the 1:1 mixed atmosphere of CH4 and N2. The results of X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy show that the modified layer prepared is a UCxN1-x solid solution with trace metallic U. When contacted with O2, the NaCl-like structure of the outmost surface layer is soon transferred to a UO2-x-like structured UO2-x(C/N)y (y < x), which can be subsequently oxidized to a CaF2-like structured UO2-x(C/N)y (y ≈ x), in which the C, N and O atoms share the tetrahedral interstitials of the U lattice. After the formation of the CaF2-like structure, the surface C and N atoms are gradually replaced by O atoms during the following oxidation process. During the oxidation of the outmost surface layer, C is more preferentially oxidized than N to produce a product of UO2-x(C/N)y, in which the ratio of C/N is lower than that in the as-prepared layer. Besides, C is easily oxidized to CO and adsorbed on the layer surface while there is no obvious evidence for the escape and adsorption of N2 or NO, implying that the migration of N may be different from that of C during the oxidation of the UCxN1-x solid solution. After oxidation, a tri-layered structure, composing of UO2 located on the outmost surface, UO2-x(C/N)y and UCxN1-x distributed in the superficial layer, and a UCxN1-x solid solution with trace metal U in the inner layer, is formed. This structure of layer can effectively prevent the further migration of O atoms into the layer from the surface and maintain the existence of C and N in the inner layer, and thus provide an excellent passivation layer for U metal against O2.

Ultrafast Laser-Ablated Nanoparticles and Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Sensing Applications.

The technique of ultrafast laser ablation in liquids has evolved and matured over the past decade, with several impending applications in various fields such as sensing, catalysis, and medicine. The exceptional feature of this technique is the formation of nanoparticles (colloids) and nanostructures (solids) in a single experiment with ultrashort laser pulses. We have been working on this technique for the past few years, investigating its potential using the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique in hazardous materials sensing applications. Ultrafast laser-ablated substrates (solids and colloids) could detect several analyte molecules at the trace levels/mixture form, including dyes, explosives, pesticides, and biomolecules. Here, we present some of the results achieved using the targets of Ag, Au, Ag-Au, and Si. We have optimized the nanostructures (NSs) and nanoparticles (NPs) obtained (in liquids and air) using different pulse durations, wavelengths, energies, pulse shapes, and writing geometries. Thus, various NSs and NPs were tested for their efficiency in sensing numerous analyte molecules using a simple, portable Raman spectrometer. This methodology, once optimized, paves the way for on-field sensing applications. We discuss the protocols in (a) synthesizing the NPs/NSs via laser ablation, (b) characterization of NPs/NSs, and (c) their utilization in the SERS-based sensing studies.

Comparison of endovenous laser ablation and cyanoacrylate embolization in the non-invasive treatment of superficial venous insufficiency in terms of patient satisfaction.

Ablation with n-butyl cyanoacrylate is a clinically newer technique than endovenous laser ablation and other interventional techniques in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The aim of this study was to compare the endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) interventional techniques in terms of benefit, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. The study was conducted at Yozgat City Hospital and Bozok University Research Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery clinics between November 2016 and February 2021. A total of 260 symptomatic patients with 130 randomized cases in each intervention group were included. NBCA patients constituted Group 1 and EVLA patients Group 2. The saphenous vein was evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) of the lower extremity. Patients with saphenous veins over 5.5mm in diameter and a saphenous-femoral reflux time of 2s or longer were included in the study. The patients were asked about their satisfaction and symptoms in the first postoperative week during an outpatient clinic follow-up with CDUS investigation at the first and sixth months. Although vena saphenous magna (VSM) closure results were similar with the two methods, satisfaction rates were found to be higher with the NBCA procedure. Comparison of the new methods used in the treatment of CVI revealed similar VSM closure rates in the two methods, but the satisfaction rate was higher with the NBCA technique in this study.

Photocatalytic performance of Ag/TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite synthesized by eco-friendly pulsed laser ablation technique

Sequestration of organic pollutants using nano-photocatalysts is considered an efficient and cost-effective approach for wastewater treatment. Here, Ag/TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites containing different loads of Ag (0%, 1% and 3%) were prepared using a laser ablation technique. The Ag nanoparticles were synthesized using A Q-switched laser beam of 1064 nm, 60 mJ pulse energy, and the Ag/TiO2/SiO2 was obtained with a focused laser beam at 355 nm and 120 mJ. The obtained nanostructures were analyzed with TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, BET surface area, Raman, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Methylene blue (MB) dye was selected to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposites. Generally, the Ag-decorated nanocomposites offer more effective MB degradation than TiO2/SiO2 under UV-light irradiation. Interestingly, virtually complete degradation of MB was recorded with Ag/TiO2/SiO2 (1%). The superior activity shown by the Ag/TiO2/SiO2 with respect to TiO2/SiO2 could be ascribed to the enhanced separation of photogenerated electron/hole pairs induced by Ag. This study establishes the feasibility of laser ablation in fabricating excellent-performing photocatalytic materials.

Cytotoxic Activity of CuO NPs Prepared by PLAL Against Liver Cancer (Hep-G2) Cell Line and HdFn Cell Lines

A simple physical technique was used in this study to create stable and cost-effective copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles from pure copper metal using the pulsed laser ablation technique. The synthesis of crystalline CuO nanoparticles was confirmed by various analytical techniques such as particle concentration measurement using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the crystal size and identify of the crystal structure of the prepared particles. The main characteristic diffraction peaks of the three samples were consistent. The corresponding 2θ is also consistent, and the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was also investigated. After 24 hours of exposure, the percentage of cytotoxicity was calculated. The maximum toxicity of Hep-G2 was 37.81% at the maximum concentration of (500) µg mL-1 after 24 hours of exposure. Also, the maximum toxicity of the normal cell line was 27.85% at a maximum concentration of (500) µg mL-1.

Plasmonic grating H2S sensor based on a chitosan-polyaniline-nano-composite

In this study, a plasmonic sensor was designed based on the grating coupling to detect the low concentration of H2S as a toxic chemical. The polyaniline nanostructure was prepared using the laser ablation technique in a chitosan solution and the final products were tested using analytical methods. The chitosan-polyaniline nanocomposite layer was used as a sensing layer and coated on the surface of 1D polydimethylsiloxane grating. The variation of reflectivity with different concentrations of H2S was registered from the surface of the grating for evaluating the sensor’s response. Finally, it was explained using the Langmuir isotherm absorption model. The limit of detection and the sensitivity of chitosan-polyaniline-nanocomposite were about 1 ppm and 0.10767 for the detection of H2S, respectively.

Effects of surface topography through laser texturing on the surface characteristics of zirconia-based dental materials: surface hydrophobicity, antibacterial behavior, and cellular response

The continuous need for high-performance implants that provide significant biological properties has led to extensive research into the topographic patterns of bioceramics in recent years. Their excellent aesthetics, biocompatibility, low plaque affinity, and ability to reproduce a natural-looking appearance have contributed to their success in dentistry. 3 mol% Yttria-stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) is gaining popularity as a material for dental implants due to its excellent mechanical properties and minimal degradation when exposed to body temperature. However, such materials show limited biological and antibacterial performance for dental applications. The purpose of this work was to develop microtopographies on the surface of 3YSZ ceramic by laser ablation technique, in order to improve its biological response and antibacterial behaviors. Two types of microtextures, including micro-grooves and micro-channels geometries were fabricated onto the zirconia ceramics using the laser ablation technique. The effects of different microtextures on the wettability, biological and antibacterial behaviors of 3YSZ ceramics were studied. The results indicate that all of the microstructure patterns are capable of improving the performance of 3YSZ. Wettability is a decisive factor that determines the antibacterial performance of textured zirconia ceramics. The microtextured surfaces all display hydrophobic behavior, thus yielding an effective improvement of antibacterial performance for 3YSZ ceramics. Cell-surface interactions were assessed for 7 days on both zirconia textured surfaces and a nontextured control with pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. The obtained results showed the positive influence of textured zirconia surfaces on cell biological response.

Size Analysis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Using Laser Ablation Single Particle ICP Mass Spectrometry: Evaluation of the Laser-Induced Disintegration of Nanoparticles.

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry combined with the laser ablation technique (LA-spICP-MS) has been used for the determination of particle size and the spatial distribution of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in various solid samples such as biological samples and semiconductor materials. In this study, we investigated the effect of the fluence of the laser being used on the disintegration of MNPs. Commercially available MNPs of silver and gold (Ag NPs and Au NPs), the sizes of which were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were analyzed with LA-spICP-MS. We evaluated the degree of disintegration of the original-sized particles, based on a comparison of the size distributions obtained by LA-spICP-MS and other analytical techniques. The disintegration of both the Ag NPs and Au NPs was induced by a laser ablation process when the laser fluence was higher than 1.0 J cm-2, whereas no disintegration was observed when the fluence was lower than 1.0 J cm-2. Moreover, the mean diameter and standard deviation of the determined diameters obtained by LA-spICP-MS were in good agreement with solution-based spICP-MS and TEM analysis within analytical uncertainty. The data obtained here demonstrates that LA-spICP-MS represents a promising potential analytical technique for accurately determining the size of individual MNPs and their spatial distribution in solid samples.

Synthesis and Biomedical Activity of Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticles by Laser Ablation Technique

Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) were formed via laser ablation of an aluminium target in deionised water (DIW) (Nd: YAG laser; wavelength: 1,064nm; different laser energies: 500, 800 and 1000 mJ; 30min). The optical, structural and morphological features of these Al2O3 NPs were investigated via ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Show that the average size of nanoparticles was between (21-48nm). The antibacterial activities of Al2O3 NPs were produced by utilising the well diffusion method against two pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus). Al2O3 NPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and B. cereus compared with the control (P≤0.05). Al2O3 NPs had the best energy at 1000 mJ, indicating that they were more effective towards Gram +ve than Gram -ve bacteria. The synergistic/antibacterial activity of Al2O3 NPs exhibited potential antibacterial activity against the investigated species after being combined with imipenem and gentamicin, which had higher antibacterial action than Al2O3 NPs alone. Furthermore, as determined by DPPH, results suggested that Al2O3 NPs have antioxidant properties. Finally, Al2O3 NPs were tested for cytotoxicity against the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), where 500mJ was 62.33±2.33, 800 mJ was 73.00±2.082 and 1000mJ was 85.00 ±1.732. The last was more effective than 500 mJ and 800 mJ and more efficient in penetrating cell membrane.

Pool boiling performance on the textured hemi-wicking surfaces fabricated by nanosecond laser ablation

Today the problem of the boiling improvement is directly related to the heating surface modification at the micro- and nanoscale. As was shown by different authors the hemi-wicking surfaces demonstrate extremely high enhancement of heat transfer (HTC) and critical heat flux density (CHF) during boiling. In this paper, the laser ablation technique was used to fabricate textured hemi-wicking silicon surfaces. This surface modification technique is one of the most promising and discussed techniques today due to its high accuracy, implementation ease and high stability of the fabricated surfaces. The effect of the laser type on the silicon surface properties and boiling improvement was studied in detail. The texturing was performed using lasers with different wavelength - infrared (1064 nm) and visible (532 nm), but with the same number of pulses per unit area and laser spot diameter. The experiments showed that the water pool boiling performance differs significantly depending on the type of laser treatment. In particular, while the usage of infrared laser results in the HTC enhancement up to 78% compared to the untreated surface, the visible laser-textured surface in contrast shows the deterioration of the heat transfer rate up to 40%. At the same time, the visible laser-textured surface demonstrates the maximum CHF value of 1806 kW/m2, which is more than 2 times higher than for the untreated surface. The comparison with the models showed, that such an enhancement is explained by the highest capillary wicking of this surface. Based on the analysis of departure diameters, nucleation frequencies and the conditions for the vapor bubbles formation the observed difference in the heat transfer rate during boiling was revealed. Also using the high-speed thermography the dynamics of reversible and irreversible dry spots was studied during boiling on laser-textured hemi-wicking surfaces for the first time.

Production of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles via Laser Ablation Technique and Study of its Characteristics

Production of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles via Laser Ablation Technique and Study of its Characteristics

Production of Silver Nano-Inks and Surface Coatings for Anti-Microbial Food Packaging and Its Ecological Impact

Food spoilage is an ongoing global issue that contributes to rising carbon dioxide emissions and increased demand for food processing. This work developed anti-bacterial coatings utilising inkjet printing of silver nano-inks onto food-grade polymer packaging, with the potential to enhance food safety and reduce food spoilage. Silver nano-inks were synthesised via laser ablation synthesis in solution (LaSiS) and ultrasound pyrolysis (USP). The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced using LaSiS and USP were characterised using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The laser ablation technique, operated under recirculation mode, produced nanoparticles with a small size distribution with an average diameter ranging from 7-30 nm. Silver nano-ink was synthesised by blending isopropanol with nanoparticles dispersed in deionised water. The silver nano-inks were printed on plasma-cleaned cyclo-olefin polymer. Irrespective of the production methods, all silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli with a zone of inhibition exceeding 6 mm. Furthermore, silver nano-inks printed cyclo-olefin polymer reduced the bacterial cell population from 1235 (±45) × 106 cell/mL to 960 (±110) × 106 cell/mL. The bactericidal performance of silver-coated polymer was comparable to that of the penicillin-coated polymer, wherein a reduction in bacterial population from 1235 (±45) × 106 cell/mL to 830 (±70) × 106 cell/mL was observed. Finally, the ecotoxicity of the silver nano-ink printed cyclo-olefin polymer was tested with daphniids, a species of water flea, to simulate the release of coated packaging into a freshwater environment.

Enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding performance of patterned AgNWs doped MXene films in X-band

MXene based materials have a high performance in electromagnetic interference shielding. However, designing a MXene-based electromagnetic interference shielding material with broad-band, lightweight, thin thickness properties is still a challenge. In this work, we successfully fabricated patterned MXene films and MXene/silver nanowires films using laser ablation technique, which could effectively boost the shielding efficiency of materials in X-band without adding the thickness and with less weight. As shown in the results, the shielding efficiency of the patterned MXene films increased with the pattern depth, up to 37.7 dB, which is 10% larger than that of un-patterned MXene film. The silver nanowires doped patterned films had the same trend, with a maximum shielding efficiency of 38.4 dB. We attribute this effect to the small interfaces brought by engraving pattern, which can make a growing number of reflections of electromagnetic waves in the material, reduce surface reflection, and enhance the shielding efficiency of MXene. Meanwhile, we verified the enhancement mechanism by simulation. This work provides a feasible strategy to boost electromagnetic shielding efficiency without increasing the thickness and weight of material, which may have a potential application prospect.

Laser-patterned PEDOT:PSS-aramid nanofiber composite electrodes for in-plane supercapacitors with high performance, shape-diversity and ultrahigh deformation resistance

The rapid development of portable and wearable modern electronics is in urgent need of the compatible energy storage devices, among which the flexible in-plane micro-supercapacitor (MSC) has emerged as a promising candidate. In this work, a facile and efficient laser-ablation technique was used to fabricate high performance metal-free all-solid-state in-plane MSCs with dimethyl sulfoxide-treated composite electrode (D-PA) composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS, PH1000) and aramid nanofibers. The effect of D-PA mass loading on the electrical and electrochemical properties of electrodes and devices was studied. The optimal MSC delivers high areal capacitance (15.4 mF/cm2 at 2 mV/s), superior charge/discharge cycling stability (capacitance hardly changes after 10,000 cycles), excellent rate performance (11.1 mF/cm2 at 3 mA/cm2) and ultrahigh resistance to arbitrary and extreme mechanical deformation (including circle-bending, free-twisting and multi-folding), which are superior to many state-of-the-art PH1000-based MSCs. Furthermore, performance of the shape-diverse device is easily tailored by series and/or parallel integration without usage of the metallic component. Such high performance MSC presents a great potential application in portable and wearable electronics even under severe deformed states.