Synthesis of Metallic and Multi-Component Nanoparticles from Metallo-Organic Precursors in Matrix-Assisted Laser Ablation

本研究计划的目标是对基质辅助激光烧蚀合成纳米颗粒的基本过程和分子水平的机理有一个基本的了解，并应用机理上的理解来设计和优化这一有前途的技术，以产生高效、可控、廉价和环境友好的纳米颗粒。控制这项技术的生长、物理极限和能力的实验研究将以用粗粒度分子动力学方法进行的计算机建模中对纳米颗粒成核和生长机制的微观洞察为指导。对靶材爆炸崩解和由液滴、基质蒸气和化学分解产物组成的多相烧蚀羽流扩展过程中原子/团簇迁移率的全面研究将为几种新兴的纳米材料加工技术提供有用的信息。该研究计划与PIs当前在激光-材料相互作用和计算材料科学领域的教育活动紧密结合，从而为研究生的培养提供直接的好处，同时通过REU计划刺激有额外接触的本科生的相关研究活动。该项目将继续保持各执行主任之间现有的强有力的互动，帮助材料科学和工程部继续开展激光与材料相互作用的核心活动。这个项目的研究成果将被整合到材料科学的材料表征、薄膜和建模方面的研究生课程中，该课程目前由私人投资促进机构开发和教授。

The goal of this research program is to gain a fundamental understanding of the elementary processes and molecular-level mechanisms of the matrix assisted laser ablation synthesis of nanoparticles, and to apply the mechanistic understanding to design and optimize this promising technique for an efficient, controllable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly generation of nanoparticles. Experimental investigations governing the growth, physical limits, and capabilities of the technique will be guided by the microscopic insights into the mechanisms of nanoparticle nucleation and growth obtained in computer modeling performed with coarse-grained molecular dynamics method. A comprehensive investigation of the atomic/cluster mobility during the process of the explosive disintegration of the target material and the expansion of the multi-phase ablation plume consisting of liquid droplets, matrix vapor, and products of chemical decomposition will provide useful information for several emerging nanoscale materials processing techniques.This research program is closely integrated with the current educational activities of the PIs in the areas of laser-materials interactions and computational materials science, thus providing immediate benefits for training of graduate students while stimulating related research activities for undergraduates with additional exposure through the REU program. The project will continue a strong existing interaction between the PIs, aiding in the continued development of a core activity on laser-material interactions at the Materials Science and Engineering department. The research results of this project will be integrated into graduate courses on Materials Characterization, Thin Films, and Modeling in Materials Science developed and currently taught by the PIs.