Formation of core–shell micro/nano particles through pulsed-laser deposition in liquid

Abstract

A new methodology for generating core–shell micro/nanoparticle (CSPs) based on laser ablation in liquid is developed. This new method showed no observable restriction for generating core and shell materials of different combinations. However, to form a high-quality shell with the new method, the adhesion energy between the core and the shell material should be as high as possible. The obtained thickness and smoothness of the shell are also affected by amount of ablation time and the applied laser energy. Based on the test, smoother (i.e. with less condensed island growth) and thicker shell can be achieved with longer ablation time and lower ablation energy. The developed new methodology can be directly extended to the generation of multiple layered core–shell micro/nanoparticles with different configurations through introducing more ablation targets in the liquid.