Laser-induced graphene formation on recycled woods for green smart furniture

Abstract

In the pursuit of carbon neutrality policies, the development of eco-friendly and intelligent furniture commands a significant role. However, the integration of non-biodegradable electronic components in smart furniture fabrication has led to substantial electronic waste. Here, we report a straightforward approach, the rapid production of Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) on medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a prevalent recycled wood in furniture production. This LIG electrode is crafted with negligible material ablation in ambient air with the aid of femtosecond laser pulses, without requiring any additional materials, showcasing the highest electrical conductivity (2.781 Ω sq⁻¹) among previously reported lignocellulosic materials-based LIG. The application of this LIG electrode for lighting, heating, and touch sensors displays sufficient performance for smart furniture implementation. For eco-conscious furniture, LIG-based human-machine interfaces are demonstrated on recycled woods for the facile control of smart devices, which will readily enable IoT-oriented smart sustainable furniture.