Review on Continuous-Wave Laser Ablation for Nanoparticle Production in Liquids

Synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) are pivotal in scientific and material-based research because of their unique physicochemical properties, which enable a wide range of applications in catalysis, electronics, biomedical engineering, and environmental remediation. Traditional methods for producing NPs often face challenges due to contamination, complex processing, and particle size and distribution control. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first to focus on continuous-wave laser ablation in liquids (CWLAL)—an effective alternative for NP synthesis. Unlike conventional techniques, CWLAL is a straightforward and environmentally friendly approach for producing high-purity, ligand-free nanostructures with controlled features. This review provides insights into the mechanisms of NP formation via CW laser ablation as a primary tool, discusses studies on various materials used in NP synthesis, highlights recent advancements, and underlines the advantages of this method over pulsed laser techniques. The findings of this review emphasize the efficiency and versatility of CWLAL as a promising method for generating a diverse array of nanomaterials with significant potential across multiple applications.