Laser-Induced Graphene-Silver Nanoparticle Composite: A Sustainable Supercapacitor with Antifungal Properties

In a recent article published in Scientific Reports, researchers introduced a novel composite material, combining laser-induced graphene (LIG) with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized through an environmentally friendly method. The study evaluates the composite's electrochemical performance as a supercapacitor electrode and its antifungal properties against pathogenic Candida species.

Circuit board super close-up toned in blue color

Image Credit: Roman Sigaev/Shutterstock.com

Background

LIG has a high surface area, porosity, and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for supercapacitor applications. The synthesis of LIG involves laser ablation of polyimide substrates, which transforms the material into a porous graphene structure. Adding silver nanoparticles enhances the electrical conductivity and introduces antimicrobial properties to the composite.

The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a method involving the reduction of silver nitrate with plant extracts from Swietenia macrophylla bark. This approach provides a sustainable method for nanoparticle synthesis and ensures that the resulting material is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

The Current Study

LIG was synthesized by ablating a polyimide substrate with a CO2 laser engraver, creating a porous graphene structure. The laser parameters were adjusted to ensure a uniform and consistent LIG surface.

For the synthesis of AgNPs, Swietenia macrophylla bark extract was used as a reducing agent. The bark was dried, powdered, mixed with deionized water, and stirred for 48 hours at 180 rpm and 32 °C. The mixture was centrifuged to obtain the supernatant, which was combined with a 2 mM AgNO3 solution in a 1:2 ratio and incubated for 48 hours to promote nanoparticle formation.

The LIG-AgNP composite was prepared using two methods: drop-coating and screen-printing. For drop-coating, the synthesized AgNPs were dispersed in ethanol and applied to the LIG surface, followed by drying at 80 °C. In the screen-printing method, commercial Ag ink was mixed with a solvent and printed onto the LIG using a mesh screen.

Electrochemical characterization included measuring sheet resistance and conductivity using a four-probe method. The electrochemical performance of the supercapacitors was evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests to determine specific capacitance and energy density. Antifungal activity against Candida species was assessed using inhibition assays, with effectiveness measured by the zone of inhibition compared to control samples.

Results and Discussion

The study showed that the LIG-AgNP composite had improved electrical conductivity compared to LIG alone. The drop-coated electrode (E1) had a sheet resistance of 37.10 Ω and a conductivity of 12.2 S cm-1, while the screen-printed electrode (E2) exhibited better performance with a sheet resistance of 28.25 Ω and a conductivity of 16.04 S cm-1.

In contrast, the commercially available Ag ink screen-printed electrode (E3) demonstrated a sheet resistance of 3.00 Ω and a high conductivity of 151.09 S cm-1. These results indicate that the method of AgNP application significantly affects the electrical properties of the composite.

The electrochemical performance of the supercapacitors was evaluated through specific capacitance and energy density measurements. The screen-printed composite showed a specific capacitance of 118 mF cm-² and an energy density of 2.42 mWh cm-², while the drop-coated composite had a lower specific capacitance of 38 mF cm-² and an energy density of 0.05 mWh cm-². These results indicate that the screen-printing method enhances both the electrical properties and overall performance of the supercapacitor.

The antifungal activity of the LIG-AgNP composites was also tested against Candida species. The screen-printed electrode effectively inhibited the growth of pathogenic fungi, demonstrating significant antifungal properties. This dual functionality—as an efficient energy storage device and an antimicrobial agent—underscores the potential of the composite for applications in flexible electronics and biomedical technologies.

Conclusion

This study developed an LIG-AgNP composite with enhanced electrical conductivity and antifungal properties. The environmentally friendly synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts supports the sustainability of the material but also enhances its applicability in various fields.

The results show that the AgNP application method substantially impacts the composite's electrical performance, with screen-printing yielding better outcomes than drop-coating. Additionally, the demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida species suggests potential applications in healthcare.

The LIG-AgNP composite contributes to progress in sustainable energy storage solutions and antimicrobial materials, providing a basis for further research and practical applications in these areas.

Journal Reference

Prakash A., et al. (2024). Highly conducting Laser-Induced Graphene-Ag nanoparticle composite as an effective supercapacitor electrode with anti-fungal properties. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79382-3, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79382-3

Dr. Noopur Jain

Written by

Dr. Noopur Jain

Dr. Noopur Jain is an accomplished Scientific Writer based in the city of New Delhi, India. With a Ph.D. in Materials Science, she brings a depth of knowledge and experience in electron microscopy, catalysis, and soft materials. Her scientific publishing record is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field. Additionally, she has hands-on experience in the field of chemical formulations, microscopy technique development and statistical analysis.    

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Jain, Noopur. (2024, November 26). Laser-Induced Graphene-Silver Nanoparticle Composite: A Sustainable Supercapacitor with Antifungal Properties. AZoNano. Retrieved on December 02, 2024 from https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41173.

  • MLA

    Jain, Noopur. "Laser-Induced Graphene-Silver Nanoparticle Composite: A Sustainable Supercapacitor with Antifungal Properties". AZoNano. 02 December 2024. <https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41173>.

  • Chicago

    Jain, Noopur. "Laser-Induced Graphene-Silver Nanoparticle Composite: A Sustainable Supercapacitor with Antifungal Properties". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41173. (accessed December 02, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Jain, Noopur. 2024. Laser-Induced Graphene-Silver Nanoparticle Composite: A Sustainable Supercapacitor with Antifungal Properties. AZoNano, viewed 02 December 2024, https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41173.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.