Functional Laser-Induced\nGraphene Composite Art

Abstract

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a method of generating\na foam-like\nconformal carbon layer of porous graphene on many types of carbon-based\nsurfaces. This electrically conductive material has been shown to\nbe useful in many applications (e.g., environmental technology) and\nexhibits low fouling and antimicrobial surfaces. Moreover, polymers\nand concrete composite materials have been made. Since LIG is formed\nusing common engraving or cutting lasers, LIG images on paper products\nwas recently termed “graphene art”. Here we show that\ngraphene art generated on polymers can be composited and made functional.\nPouring concrete on LIG images obtained on poly­(ether sulfone) or\npolyimide and transferring the LIG onto the set concrete surface by\nsimply peeling off the polymer support resulted in LIG-concrete composite\nartistic designs. The electrically conductive LIG-concrete composite\nart was functional and showed antibacterial effects when an electrical\npotential was applied (i.e., an antimicrobial rate (AR) of 100%a\n5 log reduction). These examples show that artistically designed LIG-concrete\ncomposites can be functional by utilizing the electrical and chemical\nproperties of LIG and especially for antibacterial effects, which\nmight be of use for incorporation into structural aspects of hospitals\nor other buildings where sterile surfaces might provide added protection\nfor immune-compromised patients.