Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids for Fabrication of Noble Metal Nanostructures

Abstract

Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) is a physical method that is applied for the fabrication of noble metal nanostructures with different optical and morphological properties. The physical mechanism of laser ablation in liquid environment, the subsequent growth of nanostructures, the essential laser technological parameters that determine the nanostructures’ properties, and the liquid medium’s influence are discussed. The main advantages and disadvantages of the PLAL method are noted. Post-ablation treatment at optimal laser wavelength, fluence and duration of exposure has been indicated as a means of mitigating and overcoming the latter. The aging effect of the colloids and some applications of them are also marked. The most commonly used methods for studying the nanostructures’ characteristics such as UV/vis spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM), mass spectrometry (MS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are commented.