Shapes change of PbO nanoparticles produced by laser ablation in liquid

Abstract

Production of non-spherical crystalline nanoparticles by laser ablation in liquid has been demonstrated recently. Here we studied the shape variety of PbO nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in deionized water and IPA. The key role of water in the formation of PbO non-spherical nanostructures was demonstrated. Only spherical nanoparticles have been obtained in isopropyl alcohol (IPA). PbO non-spherical nanostructures have been formed only in presence of water, which supports the growth mechanism by oxidation. Using mixture of IPA and water in various proportions and revealing the time and temperature dependences of non-spherical nanostructure morphology can be used for controlled growth of PbO non-spherical nanostructures.