Effect of inert atmosphere on nanosecond laser ablation of Ag in water and on subsequent Ag nanoparticle fragmentation

摘要

Laser ablation (LA) of Ag and/or Au in water is usually carried out under aerobic conditions, i.e. in air, e.g. Interestingly, the first experiments on LA in liquids were carried out under argon. In this contribution, we evaluate the effect of inert atmosphere on nanosecond laser ablation of Ag in water and on the subsequent Ag nanoparticle fragmentation (NF). In particular, a four step Ag foil laser ablation-Ag nanoparticle fragmentation procedure in ultrapure water was carried out both under argon and in air. Nd/YAG laser pulses were used for laser ablation (1064 nm) and for the three step Ag hydrosol treatment in the absence of Ag foil in the sequence 1064/532/1064 nm.