Pure colloidal metal and ceramic nanoparticles from high-power picosecond laser ablation in water and acetone.
The generation of colloids by laser ablation of solids in a liquid offers a nearly unlimited material variety and a high purity as no chemical precursors are required. The use of novel high-power ultra-short-pulsed laser systems significantly increases the production rates even in inflammable organic solvents. By applying an average laser power of 50 W and pulse durations below 10 ps, up to 5 mg min(-1) of nanoparticles have been generated directly in acetone, marking a breakthrough in productivity of ultra-short-pulsed laser ablation in liquids. The produced colloids remain stable for more than six months. In the case of yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic, the nanoparticles retain the tetragonal crystal structure of the ablated target. Laser beam self-focusing plays an important role, as a beam radius change of 2% on the liquid surface can lead to a decrease of nanoparticle production rates of 90% if the target position is not re-adjusted.
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hollerithallee 8, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
Niko
N
Bärsch
Jurij
J
Jakobi
Sascha
S
Weiler
Stephan
S
Barcikowski
D000096:Acetone / Q000737:chemistry*; D002516:Ceramics / Q000737:chemistry*; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D003776:Dental Porcelain / Q000737:chemistry; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008274:Magnesium / Q000737:chemistry; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D055672:Static Electricity; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D015019:Yttrium / Q000737:chemistry; D015040:Zirconium / Q000737:chemistry
D003102:Colloids; C499362:yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia; D014867:Water; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D000096:Acetone; D012834:Silver; D015019:Yttrium; D003300:Copper; D015040:Zirconium; D008274:Magnesium