An ns IR pulsed laser has been used to produce lead nanoparticles by ablating the solid target in a vacuum, in liquids, and in air. The nanoparticles' (NPs) properties, size, shape, quantity, and chemical surroundings depend strongly on the laser parameters and irradiation conditions. The laser intensity produces a plasma, and at the solid-liquid interface, it modifies the Pb ablation yield obtained in vacuum, as well as the nanoparticle properties and their characteristics. Producing Pb nanoparticles by laser ablation is an interesting and different challenge compared to other materials, as Pb is easily oxidized, has a low evaporation point, tends to aggregate into nanoparticles, and does not allow easy control of the size and shape of the nanoparticles. Special attention is devoted to PbO NPs, which is always generated in different media due to the high tendency for the lead oxidation. Different techniques of analysis are employed to investigate them, such as optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, plasma characterization, microscopy, and others. The laser-generated lead plasma was characterized in vacuum to quantize the Pb ion energy, charge state distribution, plasma temperature and density, and ablation yield. In liquids optical properties of the Pb NPs dispersion were measured, and the average size of 40 nm was given. Lead oxide can be synthesized for various applications, primarily in the fields of batteries, gas sensors, pigments, ceramics, and the glass industry. However, lead oxide nanoparticles are toxic and pose a danger to human health and the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study simple methods of production, develop new approaches, and standardize test procedures to assess the potential hazardous effects of nanoparticles on human health and the environment. This article aims to present a technique largely used to produce lead NPs and to characterize them physically, to better investigate not only their various applications but also their contamination and potential danger to humans, living beings, and the surrounding environment.
Lead Nanoparticles Produced by Laser Ablation in Vacuum, Liquids, and Air
Alfio Torrisi
2026-01-01
Abstract
An ns IR pulsed laser has been used to produce lead nanoparticles by ablating the solid target in a vacuum, in liquids, and in air. The nanoparticles' (NPs) properties, size, shape, quantity, and chemical surroundings depend strongly on the laser parameters and irradiation conditions. The laser intensity produces a plasma, and at the solid-liquid interface, it modifies the Pb ablation yield obtained in vacuum, as well as the nanoparticle properties and their characteristics. Producing Pb nanoparticles by laser ablation is an interesting and different challenge compared to other materials, as Pb is easily oxidized, has a low evaporation point, tends to aggregate into nanoparticles, and does not allow easy control of the size and shape of the nanoparticles. Special attention is devoted to PbO NPs, which is always generated in different media due to the high tendency for the lead oxidation. Different techniques of analysis are employed to investigate them, such as optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, plasma characterization, microscopy, and others. The laser-generated lead plasma was characterized in vacuum to quantize the Pb ion energy, charge state distribution, plasma temperature and density, and ablation yield. In liquids optical properties of the Pb NPs dispersion were measured, and the average size of 40 nm was given. Lead oxide can be synthesized for various applications, primarily in the fields of batteries, gas sensors, pigments, ceramics, and the glass industry. However, lead oxide nanoparticles are toxic and pose a danger to human health and the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study simple methods of production, develop new approaches, and standardize test procedures to assess the potential hazardous effects of nanoparticles on human health and the environment. This article aims to present a technique largely used to produce lead NPs and to characterize them physically, to better investigate not only their various applications but also their contamination and potential danger to humans, living beings, and the surrounding environment.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
