Generation of AgCl Cubes by Excimer Laser Ablation of Bulk Ag in Aqueous NaCl Solutions

AgCl cubes have been fabricated by excimer laser ablation of a silver target in aqueous NaCl solutions with concentration C-NaCl <= 0.01 M. Absorption spectra of the laser ablated solutions indicated that Ag nanoclusters also formed during the ablation. The formation of Ag and AgCl are dependent on C-NaCl, laser fluence, and length of ablation time (laser pulses). We consider that the laser ablation of Ag in NaCl solution will produce Ag+ ions that combine with Cl- and form insoluble AgCl precipitates. The AgCl could catalyze the reduction of excess Ag+ ions resulting in Ag nanoclusters. When C-NaCl >= 0.05 M, soluble complex anions of the type AgClm+1m- will form that reduce the formation of AgCl and Ag. Our research reveals the underlying mechanism of laser ablation of Ag in aqueous NaCl solution and provides a facile route to fabricate cuboidal AgCl particles: