Examination of silver nanoparticles formation by laser ablation in organic liquids

Abstract

Silver Nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via pulse laser ablation in different organic liquids such as acetone, toluene, and cyclohexane. Particle size, optical and stability properties of synthesized colloidal Nanoparticles were investigated by Atomic Force Microscope, UV-visible spectroscopy and Zeta potential measurements, respectively. In toluene and cyclohexane, results show that some parts of silver NPs with core-shell structure are evidently observable. Silver Nanoparticles in toluene did not have surface Plasmon resonance in their optical absorption spectrum like Nanoparticles in acetone and cyclohexane because of the existence of the non-crystalline carbon which it is covering them and inhibiting the Plasmon band of Ag NPs .Preparation in acetone results in shorter wavelength of (SPR) and stable solution in comparison with using cyclohexane. The results were discussed qualitatively by considering influences of polarity, viscosity and carbon chains of surrounding molecules on size, surface Plasmon resonance and stability of silver Nanoparticles.