Preparation of Cu Nanoparticles from Cu Powder Dispersed in 2-Propanol by Laser Ablation

We demonstrate a method to generate stable Cu nanoparticles from Cu powder dispersed in 2-propanol by the laser ablation technique under aerobic condition. In case of using the metal plate as the ablation target, it is difficult to adjust the focus of laser light on the metal surface immersed in solvent, and the turbulence of fluid which is generated by plume expansion can protect next laser pulse to arrive at metal surface, and the metal plate has to be continuously rotated to prevent the irradiation of laser light on the same position of the metal plate. Furthermore, if the concentration of nanoparticles increases as the ablation proceed, the laser light become more difficult to arrive at the metal surface by self absorption of nanoparticles. The use of Cu powder dispersed in solution can be simple alternatives to maintain the homogeneity of the sample during the ablation.