Formation of nanostructured solid-state carbon particles by laser ablation of graphite in isopropyl alcohol

Nanostructured solid-state carbon particles with sizes of 1-10 μm are successfully formed from graphite target by applying laser ablation technique in isopropyl alcohol. In the laser ablation in liquid, the diffusion of the evaporated atomic carbon particles is prevented. It follows that the shock front is condensed in the high-density condition, and evaporated carbon particles are clustered and aggregated. Nanostructured solid-state carbon particles are formed by repeatedly gathering. In this study, the influence of laser ablation process on isopropyl alcohol solvent and graphite target is analyzed, and it is revealed that the possible influences on chemical reactions with isopropyl alcohol and the direct exfoliation from the target can be excluded in this condensation process.