Tale of the tape: Sticky bits make better batteries

Using techniques similar to those employed to develop laser-induced graphene, chemists at Rice University have turned adhesive tape into a silicon oxide film that replaces troublesome anodes in lithium metal batteries. The researchers used an infrared laser cutter to convert the silicone-based adhesive of commercial tape into the porous silicon oxide coating, mixed with a small amount of laser-induced graphene from the tape's polyimide backing. The protective silicon oxide layer forms directly on the current collector of the battery.