Chapters authored
Nanoscale Effects of Friction, Adhesion and Electrical Conduction in AFM Experiments
Part of the book: Atomic Force Microscopy
High-Quality Carbon Nanomaterials Synthesized by Excimer Laser Ablation
Due to their special physical and chemical properties and potential applications from hydrogen storage to medical implantation, the carbon-based nanomaterials are in the frame of attention for many research groups all over the world. As synthesis techniques, we highlight arc discharge, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and laser ablation. Even an expensive technique, laser ablation is suitable for single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) synthesis, providing the highest yield of over 70%, while arc discharge yield is about 30% and CVD is about 42%. The most common investigation methods for carbon nanomaterials are micro-Raman spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and morphological and topographic studies done by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). We also emphasize in this work that by involving a home-designed reactor, we successfully synthesized SWCNTs, carbon nano-onions (CNOs) as well as graphene in the same reactor. Tuning the experimental parameters, we switch the end type of nanomaterials. We have done comprehensive studies regarding the carbon nanomaterials synthesis.
Part of the book: Applications of Laser Ablation
Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids for Fabrication of Noble Metal Nanostructures
Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) is a physical method that is applied for the fabrication of the noble metal nanostructures with different optical and morphological properties. The physical mechanism of laser ablation in a liquid environment, the subsequent growth of nanostructures, the essential laser technological parameters that determine the nanostructures’ properties, and the liquid medium’s influence are discussed. The main advantages and disadvantages of the PLAL method are noted. Post-ablation treatment at the optimal laser wavelength, fluence, and duration of exposure has been indicated as a means of mitigating and overcoming the latter. The aging effect of the colloids and some applications of them are also marked. The most commonly used methods for studying the nanostructures’ characteristics such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM), mass spectrometry (MS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are commented.
Part of the book: Laser Ablation