Laser-Induced Graphene: A Green Technology for the IoT

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) emerges as a transformative technology for eco-friendly and biocompatible wireless devices, revolutionizing industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. LIG facilitates direct patterning of antennas and sensors on flexible polymeric substrates, streamlining manufacturing compared to conventional graphene deposition methods. This article emphasizes LIG’s pivotal role in wireless applications, particularly in flexible devices, and highlights the main technology challenge when transitioning from small-size devices, such as electrodes and sensor probes, to antennas. State-of-the-art examples demonstrate how LIG can enable innovative wireless sensing in smart packaging, health-care monitoring with epidermal smart plasters, and cyberprostheses with integrated sensors. However, achieving long-range communication remains a challenge due to the still modest conductivity. Exploring alternative substrates and surface treatments should minimize sheet resistance, mitigate stress induced by high temperatures during the photothermal process, and simplify interconnection with lumped devices, making the technology more robust.