Laser materials processing for micropower source applications: a review

Abstract

This paper reviews recent work on the fabrication of energy storage and power generation using laser-based processes such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD), laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), and laser surface processing techniques. PLD is a versatile technique for depositing high-quality layers of materials for cathodes, anodes, and solid electrolytes for thin-film microbatteries. Using sequential PLD processes, solid-state thin-film lithium-ion microbatteries can be successfully fabricated. LIFT is a powerful tool for printing complex materials with highly porous structures for the fabrication of micropower sources such as thick-film batteries and metal oxide-based solar cells. In particular, using the LIFT process it is possible to print thick layers (~100 μ m) while maintaining pattern integrity and low-internal resistance. As a consequence, power sources fabricated in this manner exhibit higher energy densities per unit area than those obtained by traditional thin-film growth techniques. In addition, the printed active materials can be modified by postlaser processes, such as laser sintering and laser structuring, to further improve the device performance by enhancing the electrodes' three-dimensional networked structure and increasing the overall active surface, respectively. This review will discuss various examples where laser materials' processing has led to new approaches in the development of micropower sources applications. © 2014 The Authors.