Formation of a Nanoscale Graphite Hydrosol under the Influence of Terahertz Laser Radiation

Abstract

The present report describes a new phenomenon, namely the formation of a nanoscale hydrosol during short-term exposure of the surface of water by focused terahertz radiation of the Novosibirsk free-electron laser. The composition of the particles is completely determined by the material of the container used. Hydrosols are technologically convenient forms for scientific and industrial applications, which are characterized by uniform deposition and high catalytic activity used in medicine, optics, and as a suspension for sample preparation for chemical and elemental analysis. This article presents the results of our study of graphite particles formed in water, a suspension, which is in demand for industrial purposes. Commercially available high purity graphite (99.5%) of GE grade is used. The initial material and the resulting particles are studied using an atomic force and electron microscope with an elemental analyzer.