MgO nanoparticles obtained by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid: a study on fabrication versatility aiming different applications

Abstract

Nano and micro-sized metal particles are used in diverse fields, from electronics to biomedical. Among them, Magnesia, also known as magnesium oxide (MgO), is one of the most interesting metal oxides due to its unique properties, such as a large electrochemically active surface area and chemical stability. Although chemical routes such as chemical reactions, thermal evaporation,sol-gel, chemical vapor deposition and hydrothermal treatments are mainly used to fabricate metal oxide nanoparticles, they require the use of toxic reagents and long processing times. Thus, developing a simple green synthetic process for preparing MgO nanoparticles remains a challenging topic of investigation. Pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) has emerged as a potential alternative to chemical methods because it does not require chemicals, generates no waste, and produces high-purity particles. By changing some parameters such as the laser wavelength, laser fluence, and liquid media the size and shape of the particles produced can be tailored. The obtained particles can be added to act as anti-biofilm agents on coatings. Both influence of the liquid medium and the laser energy on nanoparticle composition and morphology are investigated in this work, as well as the effects of laser energy and different liquid media on the properties and characteristics of these nanoparticles.