Electroanalytical overview: the use of laser-induced graphene sensors

Abstract

Laser-induced graphene, which was first reported in 2014, involves the creation of graphene by using a laser to modify a polyimide surface. Since then, laser-induced graphene has been extensively studied for application in different scientific fields. One beneficial approach is the use of laser-induced graphene coupled with electrochemistry, where there is a growing need for disposable, conductive, reproducible, flexible, biocompatible, sustainable, and economical electrodes. In this mini overview, we explore the use of laser-induced graphene as the basis of electroanalytical sensors. We first introduce laser-induced graphene, before moving to the use of laser-induced graphene electrodes highlighting the various approaches and different laser parameters used to produce different graphene micro and macro structures, whilst describing how these structures are characterised and benchmarked for those working in the field of laser-induced graphene electrodes for comparison aspects. Next, we turn to the use of laser-induced graphene electrodes as the basis of electrochemical sensing platforms towards key analytes and its use in the development of biosensors. We provide a critical overview of the use of laser-induced graphene sensors compared to screen-printed and additive manufactured electrodes, providing future suggestions for the field.