Investigation of nanostructures of Zn and Cu chemical elements produced with nanotechnological approach

Nanotechnology has led to revolutionary advancements in materials science and engineering, contributing to various industrial and technological applications. Nanostructured materials, with their superior mechanical, optical, electrical, and chemical properties, are utilized in a wide range of fields, from sensors and biomedical applications to energy storage devices and catalysts. This study synthesized and characterized zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles using the pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) method. The results showed that laser parameters significantly influence nanoparticle size, morphology, and chemical composition. Higher laser energy and pulses led to smaller, more homogeneous nanoparticles, while lower energy resulted in larger, irregularly shaped ones. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed absorption peaks in the UV region, while Cu nanoparticles displayed broad absorption in the visible range. Xray diffraction confirmed Zn nanoparticles crystallized in the ZnO phase, while Cu nanoparticles predominantly formed CuO due to oxidation. SEM/TEM indicated spherical Zn nanoparticles, while FTIR confirmed Zn–O and Cu–O bond formations. Zn nanoparticles were more stable with distinct optical properties, while Cu nanoparticles required surface modifications for antimicrobial coatings, energy storage, and catalytic applications. The study suggests the potential of PLAL as an eco-friendly method for high-purity nanoparticle synthesis. Keywords: Copper oxide, Zinc oxide, Pulsed laser ablation in liquid, Structural properties, Optical propertie