Synthesis of MoC@Graphite NPs by short and ultra-short pulses laser ablation in toluene under N2 atmosphere

Abstract

In this work, we present the experimental methods of the synthesis of MoC/MoC@Graphite by laser ablation with short and ultra-short laser pulses by using a molybdenum (Mo) and graphite target. All the experiments were carried out utilizing toluene as liquid medium. During the ablation, a nitrogen (N2) atmosphere was necessary to avoid the oxidation of the Mo NPs. The structure, composition, and morphology of the NPs were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM-HRTEM-SAED), X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The TEM results evidence the formation of two carbonaceous structures: a graphite coating around the NPs and an amorphous carbon matrix that embeds the NPs. It was observed that these structures contribute to avoid the agglomeration and oxidation of the NPs. The size distribution, structure, and agglomeration of the NPs were discussed based on the solvents and also on the duration of the laser pulses.