One-step synthesis of Zn/ZnO hollow nanoparticles by the laser ablation in liquid technique

Abstract

Here, one-step synthesis of Zn/ZnO hollow nanoparticles along with solid nanoparticles is reported using the laser ablation in liquid (LAL) technique. Laser radiation of the 1064 nm wavelength is emitted from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and is incident on a solid zinc target kept in a water medium. The as-obtained hollow and solid particles are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Hollow nanoparticles are produced by the laser generated bubbles produced in water. The surface of a hollow nanoparticle is assembled from smaller solid nanoparticles. A strong laser–particle interaction is also observed when laser ablation is carried out for a longer time duration. Photoluminescence (PL) emission measurements at room temperature show that all samples exhibit PL emission in the UV–visible region. A reduction in size and an increase in concentration of the synthesized nanoparticles is observed with increasing laser ablation time.