Proof‐of‐Concept Studies Directed toward the Formation of Metallic Ag Nanostructures from Ag₃PO₄ Induced by Electron Beam and Femtosecond Laser

Abstract

In this work, for the first time, the instantaneous nucleation and growth processes of Ag nanoparticles on Ag3PO4 mediated by femtosecond laser pulses are reported and analyzed. The investigated samples are pure Ag3PO4 sample, electron‐irradiated Ag3PO4 sample, and laser‐irradiated sample. Complete characterization of the samples is performed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinements, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD confirms that the irradiated surface layer remains crystalline, and according to EDS analysis, the surface particles are composed primarily of Ag nanoparticles. This method not only offers a one‐step route to synthesize Ag nanoparticles using laser‐assisted irradiation with particle size control, but also reports a complex process involving the formation and subsequent growth of Ag nanoparticles through an unexpected additive‐free in situ fabrication process.

Unraveling the relationship between exposed surfaces and the photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4: an in-depth theoretical investigation

“…Finally, we notice that the results of this work may serve as a starting point to rationalize the formation of metallic Ag nanostructures 81 and thick lm 82 on Ag 3 PO 4 surfaces induced by electron beam and femtosecond laser irradiation.…”

Femtosecond-laser-irradiation-induced structural organization and crystallinity of Bi2WO6

“…According to our experimental and theoretical results, an intense fs laser pulse excites the electron-lattice system to modify atomic structures and induce the reduction of metal cations non-thermally. Therefore, these unique properties of fs interaction with materials make fs lasers a unique tool for transforming the structures of nanoscale elements without thermally induced structural defects [86][87][88] . However, to the best of our knowledge, the crystallization and organization of BWO in powder form by fs laser irradiation have not been studied.…”

Unraveling a Biomass-Derived Multiphase Catalyst for the Dehydrogenative Coupling of Silanes with Alcohols under Aerobic Conditions

“…The high-resolution Ag 3d core-level spectrum displays two peaks at ∼368 and 374 eV associated with the characteristic spin–orbit splitting of Ag 3d 5/2 and Ag 3d 3/2 orbitals, respectively, each of them being possible to be fitted into two separated components denoting the presence of two distinct chemical Ag species (Figure a). More specifically, the components at 368.1 and 374.1 eV correspond to Ag + species, whereas the ones at 369.3 and 375.3 eV are related to metallic Ag. − The higher contribution of the component associated with Ag + species suggests that, in spite of the shielding effect of thick N-doped graphitic carbon layers encapsulating the Ag particles, these could be constituted by a metallic core and a partially oxidized surface. In addition, it should be considered that the XPS-detectable Ag + species could also arise from highly dispersed Ag + species inserted in the graphitic sheets coordinated to N atoms, that is, as AgN x sites.…”