Pure colloidal metal and ceramic nanoparticles from high-power picosecond laser ablation in water and acetone

• Published in: Nanotechnology Vol. 20; no. 44; p. 445603
• Main Authors: Bärsch, Niko, Jakobi, Jurij, Weiler, Sascha, Barcikowski, Stephan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England IOP Publishing 04.11.2009
• Subjects: Ablation; Acetone; Acetone - chemistry; Ceramics; Ceramics - chemistry; Colloids; Colloids - chemistry; Copper - chemistry; Crystallography, X-Ray; Dental Porcelain - chemistry; Laser ablation; Lasers; Light; Liquids; Magnesium - chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles - ultrastructure; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanoparticles - ultrastructure; Nanotechnology - methods; Particle Size; Scattering, Radiation; Silver - chemistry; Spectrophotometry; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Static Electricity; Water - chemistry; Yttria stabilized zirconia; Yttrium - chemistry; Zirconium - chemistry
• ISSN: 0957-4484; 1361-6528
• DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/44/445603

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.