Narrow Results

Laser ablation in liquid (LAL) has emerged over the past decade as a powerful technique for the synthesis of nanomaterials and the fabrication of functional nanostructures. Its ability to tackle diverse challenges in nanotechnology highlights its growing significance. This review systematically evaluates recent advancements in LAL, focusing on the synthesis of nanocrystals and nanostructures. We begin by outlining the fundamental principles of the LAL process, with particular attention to critical laser parameters such as pulse wavelength, duration, pulse width, repetition rate, energy density (fluence) and the characteristics of the ablation medium. The review then explores the mechanisms that govern nanoparticle formation, with an emphasis on the control of particle shape and size during synthesis. Recent studies on LAL-generated nanomaterials, including bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and germanium nanoparticles (Ge NPs), are discussed, highlighting their applications in ultraviolet photodetection. Key advantages of LAL, along with its limitations, are critically assessed, and potential strategies for overcoming these challenges are proposed. We conclude by identifying future research directions that will help advance the application of LAL in nanotechnology, particularly in the field of UV photodetectors.

In this work, an innovative seedless and surfactant-free chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at low temperature was applied to obtain flower-shaped ZnO nanostructures (FZONSs) on glass and p-type silicon substrates for the first time. Structural properties of these FZONSs were examined. The NSs were produced from zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine, HMTA solution without any catalyst, template, or seed layer. An electric soldering iron pen was used to simultaneously heat the substrate and aqueous mixture of the constituents to grow the FZONSs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images of the samples showed the presence of three-dimensional (3D) flower-shaped nanomorphology. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detected the right trace elements in the FZONSs. X-ray diffraction analysis of the as-grown samples confirmed the existence of high purity nanocrystalline hexagonal phase of ZnO with preferred growth along (002) lattice planer orientation. The growth of ZnO nanorods into unified flower-like morphology was interpreted using a nucleation dissolution-mediated recrystallization mechanism. The fabricated FZONSs may provide potential in various applications including advanced catalysts, sensing devices, and solar cells.