Nanoparticle formation by laser ablation of perylene microcrystals in aqueous solutions of alkyl sulfates with different alkyl chain lengths

Abstract

Perylene microcrystals in aqueous solutions of alkyl sulfates with different alkyl chain lengths were irradiated by a laser. The irradiation resulted in formation of perylene nanoparticles in the solutions. The average diameters of the nanoparticles ranged from 100 to 500 nm, depending on the concentration of the surfactant. Alkyl sulfates with longer alkyl chains provided more effective assistance to nanoparticle formation at lower concentrations than alkyl sulfates with shorter alkyl chains. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was limited by the surfactant concentration.