Synthesis of nanoparticles by laser ablation in liquid method and optical applications

Abstract

Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) method is a fast, green, and straightforward method that can be used to synthesize pure nanoparticles free of ligands, capping agents, and waste products. Several types of nanoparticles such as metals, oxides, alloys, semiconductors, composite and compound nanoparticles with spherical or complex morphologies can be synthesized with PLAL method. In this thesis, AuCu nanoparticles for photovoltaic application, AgCu nanoparticles for tunable optical properties, CuS/Cu1.8S nanoparticles for photothermal and photoacoustic application, and (Y0.83Yb0.16Er0.01)2O3 nanoparticles for upconversion photoluminescence application are synthesized. The synthesized AuCu nanoparticles are used in organic solar cells and enhanced the photocurrent production, proven by the 21.4% increase in the power conversion efficiency. AgCu nanoparticles show composition and laser fragmentation dependent tunable surface plasmon resonance between 420 nm – 580 nm, giving 160 nm tunability. These nanoparticles also show complex morphologies with Janus nanoparticle and core-shell type configurations. Copper sulphide nanoparticles show a broad absorbance in the NIR region with absorbance peak at 1183 nm. Nanoparticles with 1 mg/mL concentration show a 52.2 °C temperature increase in 3 minutes of 3.23 W/cm2 1080 nm CW laser irradiation. Photoacoustic imaging experiments where copper sulphide nanoparticles are utilized show a significant contrast enhancement compared to ultrasonic imaging at 1 cm depth. The upconversion nanoparticles show an intense red emission at 651 nm from 980 nm laser irradiation and lowered green emission compared to the target material which shows nanoparticles produce more heat compared to the target which can be useful for photoluminescence – photothermal applications.