Generation of Ag2O micro-/nanostructures by pulsed excimer laser ablation of Ag in aqueous solutions of polysorbate 80.

A new route to synthesis of Ag(2)O micro-/nanostructures, including a mixture of cubes, pyramids, triangular plates, pentagonal rods, and bars, has been developed by pulsed excimer laser ablation of bulk silver in water using polysorbate 80 as surfactant. The polysorbate 80 played an important role in the formation of the Ag(2)O structures, and similar structures could be obtained in polysorbates 20 and 40 aqueous solutions. We have proposed a mechanism to explain the formation of Ag(2)O structures. This laser ablation method provides a unique approach to discover and fabricate new Ag(2)O morphologies.