Laser direct writing of crystalline Fe2O3 atomic sheets on steel surface in aqueous medium

This study describes a fast and scalable synthesis of few atomic layers thin iron oxide sheets in aqueous medium with pulsed laser irradiation. We systematically studied the effects of laser parameters on synthesized nanostructures to understand the growth mechanisms. We found high density of star shaped nanostructures and large sheets of few atomic layer thicknesses are typically observed in laser assisted synthesis while small platelets are obtained when laser is not applied. Nanocomposites of iron oxide nanosheets with graphene oxide were obtained and their adsorption capability for Rhodamine B molecules was investigated. Enhanced contact area between iron oxide sheets and graphene oxide, as observed in our experimental investigation would find many applications in photocatalysis, water purification and many other emerging applications. Schematic diagram for iron oxide nanostructures formed in aqueous medium (a) without and (b) with laser exposure. (a) shows porous nanostripes and (b) shows two different morphologies of nanostructures at bottom and in liquid medium.