Formation of ZnO nanoparticles by laser ablation in neat water

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared in neat deionized water by laser ablation with various ablation times (10–40 min), fluences (50–130 mJ/pulse), and wavelengths (1064, 532, and 355 nm). The size and shape of the nanoparticles were affected only slightly by the ablation time and fluence at a wavelength of 1064 nm, which was explained by a dynamic formation mechanism with surface charge effects. The nanoparticles formed by ablation at 355 nm had a distinctive wire-shape with a small diameter, which was attributed to a continuous fragmentation and formation mechanism.