Core–Double-Shell Fe2O3@SiO2@Jarosite Hybrid Nanoparticles Synthesized by Laser Ablation of Turquoise in Ethanol

Abstract

This work highlights a facile green route for the one-step synthesis of iron oxide core–double-shell nanoparticles (NPs) and aluminum phosphide (AlP) nanosheets by pulsed laser ablation of the mineral turquoise target from Nishapur in the presence of an ethanol solvent. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction pattern, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray mapping revealed the formation of NPs with a typical core@double-shell structure in which crystalline α-Fe2O3 (iron oxide) formed the core, while SiO2 (quartz) and (K, H3O)Fe3(SO4)2(OH6) (jarosite) participated as the inner and outer shell, respectively. However, the application of laser ablation on the turquoise phase of the target led to the formation of AlP nanosheets which was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction patterns and FESEM images. Strong absorption of the vein-ablated species in the UV region (250–360 nm) was the characteristic feature of α-Fe2O3 and jarosite phases, while the absorption band at 250–300 nm for the turquoise-ablated species was related to the presence of Cu compound species and also the α-Fe2O3 phase in the sample. Photoluminescence emission spectra for the vein-ablated species depicted a peak centered at 370 nm, while a peak located at 364 nm was ascribed to the turquoise-ablated species. In particular, these hybrid NPs with high purity and stability may offer new opportunities for bio-applications such as anticancer agents and water/wastewater applications.