Metalloid C–Mg, C and Mg nanoinks fabrication and colloidal stability studies

Abstract

Utilizing Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid (PLAL), we demonstrate a novel route for producing metallic and metalloid nanoinks. 11 nanoinks, incorporating Mg, C, and C–Mg in diverse liquids of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), ethanol, hydrochloric acid, and glycerine were fabricated. Remarkably, metalloid C–Mg nanoinks with 70 nm NP diameter exhibit resistivity below 1 Ohm/square, surpassing constituent Mg or C nanoinks and a commercial graphene nanoink (>390 Ohm/square). Comprehensive characterization via XPS, TEM, SEM, EDX, DLS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy elucidates nanoink attributes. These nanoinks hold promising prospects for nanoink and surface coating applications. Intriguing morphologies including quasi-spherical and rod-shaped carbon NPs, tree-branch-like Mg NPs, and NP colonies with interstitial gaps emerge from SEM images. TEM reveals ultra-small particles (<10 nm). Nanoink stability assessment uncovers post-synthesis size reduction of metalloid nanoink particles after 5 days, attributed to enhanced Zeta potentials (19–72 mV) and heightened nanoparticle electrophoresis mobility.