Proof-of-Concept Studies Directed toward the Formation of Metallic Ag Nanostructures from Ag3PO4 Induced by Electron Beam and Femtosecond Laser

In this work, for the first time, the instantaneous nucleation and growth processes of Ag nanoparticles on Ag3PO4 mediated by femtosecond laser pulses are reported and analyzed. The investigated samples are pure Ag3PO4 sample, electron-irradiated Ag3PO4 sample, and laser-irradiated sample. Complete characterization of the samples is performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinements, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD confirms that the irradiated surface layer remains crystalline, and according to EDS analysis, the surface particles are composed primarily of Ag nanoparticles. This method not only offers a one-step route to synthesize Ag nanoparticles using laser-assisted irradiation with particle size control, but also reports a complex process involving the formation and subsequent growth of Ag nanoparticles through an unexpected additive-free in situ fabrication process.