Laser‐Architected Shape‐Configurable Vertical Graphene Thermoacoustic Loudspeakers for 3D Acoustic Emission

Read full text
Authors: TaeGyeong Lim, Se Young Lee, Dohyung Lee, Baek Heon Lim, Jeongbo Lee, Wooseok Song, Sun Sook Lee, Sungwoong Park, Jin Kim, Soonmin Yim‬, Ki‐Seok An, Saewon Kang
Cited by: 3
References: 59

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recent advances in thermoacoustic (TA) loudspeakers have focused on freeform, conformal audio systems that enable conformal integration, spatial sound control, and seamless transformation between 2D and 3D geometries. However, their practical use remains limited by low sound pressure levels (SPLs) and poor mechanical adaptability, primarily due to insufficient thermal dissipation and structural rigidity. Here, we report a high‐performance, shape‐configurable TA loudspeaker based on vertically aligned reduced graphene oxide (VrGO), fabricated through a dual‐laser process combining continuous‐wave (CW) CO 2 laser reduction with pulsed laser patterning. The CW laser induces vertical microstructuring and graphitization, enhancing thermal transport and reducing the heat capacity per unit area, while the pulsed laser enables precise patterning into complex geometries such as kirigami and 3D prismoids. The VrGO loudspeakers exhibit superior SPL (85 dB at 10 kHz), excellent heat dissipation, and high resilience, maintaining over 75% SPL under 500% strain and stable output over 1000 cycles. The patterned VrGO structures enable omnidirectional emission, conformal attachment, and 2D–3D transformation. Notably, even thick VrGO films retain strong acoustic performance, outperforming conventional TA devices. This scalable, material‐efficient strategy offers tunable directivity, adaptability, and multifunctionality for next‐generation wearable audio devices, interactive electronics, and conformal human–machine interfaces.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Acoustic Wave Phenomena Research Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Science
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
13
Issue
18
Pages
e22911–e22911
Publication date
21 January 2026
Language
EN