# A Versatile Single-Step Micro- to Nanoparticles Laser Graphitization-Driven Conversion Route for Graphene-Embedded Nanoparticle Composites

## TL;DR

A new single-step method uses laser graphitization to convert microparticles into functional graphene-embedded nanoparticle composites for energy storage.

## Contribution

A scalable, single-step process for creating graphene-embedded nanoparticle composites from micropowders using low-power laser irradiation.

## Key findings

- Laser-induced graphitization converts microparticles into nanoparticles embedded in a porous graphene scaffold.
- The SiO/LIG anode achieved a reversible capacity exceeding 1400 mAh/g over 105 cycles with 79% retention after 350 cycles.
- The method eliminates the need for binders or postprocessing, enabling monolithic, self-supporting composites.

## Abstract

Traditional top-down nanoparticle synthesis is often
limited by
the high energy demands and costs of mechanical milling and high-power
pulsed lasers. Beyond synthesis, integrating these powders into functional
devices remains a significant challenge, typically requiring cumbersome,
multistep procedures to incorporate particles into conductive support
matrices. Building on the established foundation of laser-induced
graphene (LIG) synthesis, we introduce a versatile single-step methodology
utilizing low-power continuous laser irradiation of phenolic resin
blended with microparticle precursors (e.g., Si, SiO, and Mg) to produce
functional nanocomposites under ambient conditions. We propose that
ultrafast laser-induced photothermal graphitization drives an explosive
boiling mechanism, where rapid localized heating converts microparticles
into nanoparticles. These ejected molten nanoparticles are simultaneously
embedded within the as-formed porous LIG scaffold. Validated across
diverse precursors, this versatile process results in a monolithic,
self-supporting composite with strong interfacial coupling achieved
without binders or postprocessing. Notably, a “laser-milled”
SiO/LIG anode synthesized from microprecursors demonstrated performance
comparable to analogous anodes fabricated using premade nanoparticles,
yielding a lithium-ion battery with a reversible capacity exceeding
1400 mAh/g over 105 cycles at C/7 and 79% retention over 350 cycles
at 1.28C. This scalable strategy represents the first investigation
into converting raw micropowders and commercial polymers into functional
nanoparticle–graphene composites in a single, streamlined step.