Lazer ablation in liquid as innovative method for preparation of ZnO-zeolite nanocomposites
Laser ablation in liquid is an eco-friendly and efficient method to produce nanomaterials with interesting properties in a laboratory scale. Previously reported ZnO nanoparticles, obtained by nanosecond and millisecond pulsed laser under various laser parameters, demonstrated photocatalytic, gas-sensing, and antibacterial activity. Here we explore the possibility for laser ablation of Zn metal plate in natural zeolite suspension and isolation of a composite ZnO-Zeo. It was characterized by UV-vis, XPS and SEM methods. The characteristic UV-vis peak for ZnO nanoparticles was observed at 340 nm, which is associated with small particles size, proven by SEM images to be 30-50 nm. The spherical ZnO particles are located on the zeolite surface. It was found that the attraction forces between both phases cause a shift in Zn 2p XPS peak positions which were determined at 1022.0 eV and 1045.1 eV for 2p3/2 and 2p1/2 levels, respectively. The approach for laser ablation in suspension could open avenue for simultaneous formation and incorporation of various nanoparticles into different supports.