Zn(II) Production via a Pulsed Laser Ablation in Water: A Formation Mechanism of Zn and ZnO Nanoparticles

Abstract

Zn and ZnO nanoparticles were produced by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser ablation method in the absence of any surfactants and/or catalysts in deionized (DI) water via pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL). In this paper, we present direct evidence for the production of Zn(II) ions induced from the plasma plume during the process of PLAL for the first time. Investigation of the absorption and emission spectra of zinc tetra(p-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (ZnTSPP) formed via the laser ablation on a Zn metal plate in TSPP solution showed a significant fluorescence quenching of ZnTSPP. This fluorescence quenching of ZnTSPP was further investigated with an aid of theoretical calculations. Based on these experimental and theoretical results, a plausible mechanism for the production of Zn and ZnO nanoparticles is proposed.