Synthesis of nanoporous structures in metallic materials under laser action

We defined conditions of the laser-aided formation of nanoporous structures with nanopores ranging in size from 40 to 50 nm using laser pulses of 10.6 μm wavelength at a pulse-repetition rate of up to (4–5)×103 Hz for a model metallic material (a two-component alloy “brass of 62%”). It has been established that the exposure to a uniform laser light at depths of up to 25–30 μm results in the formation of nanopores with a relatively uniform distribution across the surface. The resulting pattern contains both solitary pores and ramified porous channels. The nanopores are uniformly distributed within a subgrain, being fairly stable in size and shape. The nanopore size and shape feature larger non-uniformity on the subgrain boundary. The resulting metallic structures show promise for use as catalysts and ultrafiltration membranes.

► We defined conditions of the laser-aided formation of nanoporous structures. ► We used laser pulses of 10.6 μm at a pulse-repetition rate of up to (4-5) 103 Hz. ► In alloy “brass of 62%” nanopores ranging in size from 40–50 nm are formed. ► The resulting structures contain both solitary pores and ramified porous channels. ► Such structures show promise for use as catalysts and ultrafiltration membranes.