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 AgCl m +1 m − 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.