Synthesis and physico-chemical characteristics of nanosized particles produced by laser ablation of a nickel target in water

Ablation of Ni targets in water by laser impact (532 nm, 40 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz and 8 ns duration) focused on massive samples (∼2 mm diameter) generates colloids with fine nanoparticles. The amount of metal released in the solution (measured by mass loss of the target or ICP) was found to increase first linearly with time, but slower after 8 min of impact. The size distribution of the nanoparticles thus produced was measured (by TEM) to be in the range 3–5.3 nm in diameter, with a tendency for the size to be smaller for larger number of laser shots. Actually, nickel oxide nanoparticles were produced, rather than nickel nanoparticles as it was shown by HRTEM. XPS photoemission measurements evidenced the presence of nickel oxide species on the crater of the nickel sample surface after laser ablation.