Synthesis of Sb@Ge Core-Shell Nanostructures by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Water

Abstract

Core-shell nanoparticles' structural, optical, and electrical features make them attractive medical and optoelectronic applications. Laser ablation in a liquid medium with a Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 480 mJ) produces Sb@Ge nanoparticles. Germanium (Ge) is the shell and antimony (Sb) the core. XRD, TEM, and AFM results indicate Sb@Ge cubic crystal structure with a 10 nm crystal size and core-shell shape. Ablation speeds crystallization and weakens particles. These results suggest Sb@Ge nanostructures could increase electrical and solar energy performance.