Characterization of Nickel and Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared by Laser Ablation Technique: Effect of Laser Wavelength and Energy

Abstract

Pulsed laser ablation in liquids is a process that has many advantages over traditional methods used to prepare nanoparticles. A piece of pure, polished nickel metal was used to prepare nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation technique in ethanol using Nd:YAG laser with three wavelengths (1064, 532, and 355nm) and three energies (50, 100, and 150mJ). This work focuses on evaluating the extent of the influence of some ablation parameters on the properties of prepared nanoparticles by characterizing them structurally and optically. The results showed the formation of both nickel nanoparticles and nickel oxide nanoparticles with spherical shapes and with an average diameter ranging between 11.35 and 76.6 nm. It was found that the oxidation rate increases when the shorter wavelength of the laser is used in the preparation. Absorbance increases with increasing laser energy, and the most appropriate wavelength and laser energy in preparation are 532nm and 150mJ. This technique has proven to be one of the easiest physical methods for preparing nanoparticles of metals and their oxides and is characterized by its speed and low cost.