Excimer laser photofragmentation of metallic nanoparticles

Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were prepared by different chemical methods possessing different sizes. While, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared by borohydride reduction method. The influences the changes in sizes of Ag NPs and Cu NPs were demonstrated by the absorption spectra. When Ag NPs and Cu NPs irradiated with 193 and 308 nm excimer laser, respectively; the maximum absorption decreased as the number of pulses increased up to 10 thousands pulse; due to the size reduction. The TEM photography gives good criteria about the size reduction process. Moreover, the mechanism of photofragmentation was described. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.