Work

Laser-structured open transport pathways for enhanced electrochemical accessibility in aqueous Cu-Se batteries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Selenium (Se) is a promising cathode material for copper (Cu)-ion batteries due to its high volumetric capacity and reversible conversion reactions with Cu ions. However, Se electrodes often suffer from limited electrolyte accessibility and sluggish ion transport, particularly under high-rate conditions. In this study, a nanosecond pulsed laser is employed to fabricate open transport pathways within commercial carbon paper (CP). The morphological changes as a function of laser power and scan speed are systematically analyzed. The optimal results for laser-structured carbon paper (LSCP) are achieved at 600 mm/s and 87.5 W. Insignificant physicochemical changes in LSCP are observed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, making it suitable for Se battery applications. Additionally, insignificant change in weight and crystal structure of Se/C composite are confirmed through thermogravimetric analyzer and XRD, respectively. The LSCP features uniform channels integrated with the porous fibrous CP network, forming a hierarchical transport architecture that promotes electrolyte infiltration, activation of inaccessible Se domains, mass transport, and active surface utilization. Consequently, the Se/LSCP composite cathode achieves a reversible capacity of 952 mAh/g after 1000 cycles at 2 A/g with excellent capacity retention, delivering 512 mAh/g after 4000 cycles at 10 A/g. Electrochemical analyses confirm improved diffusion kinetics and enhanced electrochemical accessibility through the open transport architecture. These findings demonstrate that laser structuring is an effective strategy for enhancing mass transport and maximizing the utilization of Se-based electrodes in aqueous Cu-ion batteries.

Source: Journal of Materials Research and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.09.177

Authors: Shaheryar Ahmed, Hui Seong Kim, Ji Hyun Um, Joonghan Shin

Institution: Kongju National University

Language: English

Topic: Aqueous and Flow Batteries

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,640