Advances in Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid for Silver and Copper Synthesis: From Plasma Generation to Nanoparticle Formation

Pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) is growing in popularity as a powerful and scalable method for generating copper and silver nanoparticles, providing precise control over their structural and functional properties. This narrative review synthesizes studies published between 2014 and 2024, focusing on the influence of key laser parameters wavelength, fluence density, pulse width, and repetition rate on nanoparticle characteristics. Shorter wavelengths, such as 532 nm, often result in smaller nanoparticles due to increased photo fragmentation and energy absorption, whereas longer wavelengths, such as 1064 nm, result in larger nanoparticles with less fragmentation. The transition from surface vaporization to plasma generation is significantly dependent on fluence density, which has a significant impact on electron temperature, density, and the morphology of nanoparticles. Pulse width, which spans from nanoseconds to femtoseconds, influences nanoparticle size and homogeneity; shorter pulses allow more control over particle size distributions. Furthermore, enhancing cavitation bubble dynamics through pulse repetition rates increases nanoparticle concentration and synthesis efficiency. PLAL also investigates the underlying mechanisms of nanoparticle production, such as laser‐induced plasma generation, shock wave propagation, and cavitation bubble dynamics. PLAL enables the personalized synthesis of nanoparticles for diverse applications, ranging from catalysis and electronics to healthcare, by altering their properties.