Optimization of Laser Induced Graphene Electrodes for Water Splitting Applications

Abstract

The production of hydrogen through electrochemical water splitting using renewable energy sources shows promise in achieving net-zero emissions. This process requires a catalyst for the electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Many studies are dedicated to discovering efficient catalysts for water-splitting reactions that do not depend on noble metals. Integrating metal nanoparticles into laser-induced graphene has proven to deliver high catalytic performance, attributed to the high surface area and efficient charge transfer enabled by the highly conductive nature of laser-induced graphene. However, optimization of the laser-induced graphene electrodes is necessary for their effective use in water-splitting reactions. This study optimized the 405nm visible laser parameters to tune the Reduced polyimide-derived RPI laser-induced graphene electrodes for driving a water-splitting reaction. The optimization of the laser parameters revealed that a laser power of 5W, 10W, and 15W, engraving speeds of 1000 mm/min, 2000 mm/min, 3000 mm/min, and 4000 mm/min, and line-to-line tracing 20 line/mm, 18 line/mm and 15 line/mm with horizontally and vertically settings provides the optimum electrodes for water-splitting reaction.