Direct Laser Writing of Graphitic Carbon from Liquid Precursors

One-step synthesis and micropatterning of different types of carbon nanomaterials, such as amorphous carbon or three-dimensional graphene which have versatile electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, are advantageous for the fabrication of microelectronics, sensors, and wearable devices. Here, we report a direct laser writing method to simultaneously synthesize and pattern graphitic carbon from liquid organic precursors. We have tested a wide range of liquid organic precursors and identified the chemical characteristics that are beneficial for successful laser-induced solvothermal deposition. The laser-deposited carbon exhibits a paracrystalline-to-polycrystalline structure and has electrical resistivities on the order of 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁴ Ω m which is tunable through variations in the laser power. Such properties of the laser-deposited carbon, coupled with the ability to direct-write custom patterns with microscale resolution, make these carbon materials exciting candidates for use in applications such as energy storage and sensing.