Articolo in rivista, 2010, ENG, 10.1016/j.matlet.2009.12.004

Synthesis of Yb nanoparticles by laser ablation of ytterbium target in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate reverse micellar solution

Calandra, Pietro; Lombardo, Domenico; Neri, Fortunato; Ruggirello, Angela; Trusso, Sebastiano; Liveri, Vincenzo Turco

CNR; Univ Messina; Univ Palermo

Surfactant-coated ytterbium nanoparticles were produced by Nd:YAG laser ablation of a Yb bulk target immersed in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfasuccinate (AOT)/n-heptane micellar solution. In our experimental conditions, as highlighted by IR spectroscopy, AOT molecules are not decomposed by the intense laser pulses but play a pivotal role in the stabilisation of Yb nanoparticles. The formation of Yb nanoparticles in the liquid phase was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy whereas the Yb/AOT composites obtained by evaporation of the organic solvent were characterised by XPS and TEM. Data analysis consistently shows the presence of surfactant-coated, nearly spherical and non-interacting Yb nanoparticles of mean diameter of 3 nm.

Materials letters (Gen. ed.) 64 (5), pp. 576–579

Keywords

Nanomaterials, Laser ablation, Reverse micelles, Surfactant, Ytterbium

CNR authors

Trusso Sebastiano, Calandra Pietro

CNR institutes

IPCF – Istituto per i processi chimico-fisici