Highly conducting Laser-Induced Graphene-Ag nanoparticle composite as an effective supercapacitor electrode with anti-fungal properties.

Abstract

This study presents a simple and an environmentally friendly approach to make Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) based supercapacitor electrodes anchored with abundant Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs). LIG, was synthesized using a CO₂ laser writing technique on polyimide substrate. The LIG-Ag composite was prepared using two techniques, drop-coating, and screen-printing. Ag nanoparticles prepared using the plant extract of Swietenia Macrophylla was utilized to drop-coat AgNP on LIG substrate. Screen-printing was done by using a commercial Ag-ink and a suitable mesh. The supercapacitor made from screen-printed electrodes and supercapacitor made form drop-coated electrodes showed a high specific capacitance of 118 mF/cm², 38 mF/cm², and a high energy density of 2.42 mWh/cm², 0.05 mWh/cm² respectively. The screen-printed composite of LIG and AgNP was further studied for its anti-fungal properties and proved to be effective against Candida sp.