Synthesis of Mg(OH)2, MgO, and Mg nanoparticles using laser ablation of magnesium in water and solvents

Laser ablation of magnesium in deionized water (DW), solutions of DW and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with different concentrations, acetone and 2-propanol has been conducted. The results showed that ablation in acetone and 2-propanol yielded MgO and Mg nanocrystallites as isolated particles and agglomerated chains probably intermixed with organic residues resulting from the alteration/decomposition of the solvents under the high-energy conditions. Brucite-like Mg(OH)2 particles were mainly produced by laser ablation of Mg in either DW or DW–SDS solutions. Ablation in DW yielded particles of fiber-like shapes having a diameter of about 5–10 nm and length as long as 150 nm. Materials produced in DW–SDS solutions were composed of various size and shape particles. Some had rough surfaces with irregular shapes. Small particles were about 20–30 nm and larger particles were about 120 nm. Particles with rod-like, triangular, and plate-like shapes were also observed.