Preparation of nanomaterials by laser and their application in new energy catalysis

ZHOU Weijia; WU Tong; CHEN Yuke; YU Wanqiang; WANG Yijie; LI Yue; YUAN Haifeng; LIU Xiaoyu; WANG Yujie; KONG Hui; XING Chuanshun; LIU Chengxin; LIU Hong

doi:10.13732/j.issn.1008-5548.2025.05.006

Abstract：Significance Nanomaterials,with their distinctive physical and chemical properties,are the foundation for new energy technolo-gies.Among these,photothermal catalysis and electrocatalysis are the major contributors to the advancements in energy conver-sion,storage,and environmental sustainability.Nanomaterials,with their tunable properties and enhanced surface-to-volume ratios,are particularly suited for these applications.Laser technology,a cutting-edge method for synthesis and micro-nano pro-cessing,has demonstrated unparalleled advantages in precise nanomaterial fabrication and intricate nanostructure construction.It offers high precision,flexibility,and scalability,making it an invaluable tool in nanotechnology.Despite the remarkable pro-gresses in laser-assisted nanomaterial synthesis,the complex dynamics of laser-material interactions and the underlying mecha-nisms of laser-induced synthesis remain largely unexplored.A deeper understanding of these phenomena is crucial for further optimizing synthesis processes,enhancing material quality,and tailoring properties for specific applications.Therefore,contin-ued research into these fundamental aspects is essential for harnessing the full potential of laser technology in nanomaterial fabrication. Progress The regulation of laser-induced thermal and plasma effects is pivotal for shaping the structure and functionality of nanomaterials.Intense heat generated from laser pulses facilitates the synthesis of carbon materials and carbides,which are often difficult to form under ambient conditions due to their high energy requirements.Rapid thermal cycles induced by laser pulses disrupt the crystal structure of metal oxides,creating oxygen vacancies that serve as unique anchoring sites for precious metals,therefore enhancing their catalytic activity.Laser-induced plasma effects enable the rapid ionization of metals,leading to the formation of alloy structures and single-atom alloys.These structures often exhibit superior catalytic properties due to their optimized electronic configurations and enhanced surface areas.By manipulating the atmospheric conditions during laser synthe-sis,various metal sulfides,nitrides,carbides,and borides can be synthesized,each with unique physical and chemical proper-ties tailored for specific applications.The micro-nano structures constructed through laser processing can significantly improve light absorption,affecting metal-carrier interactions and enhancing photothermal catalytic activity.In aquatic hydrogen elec-trolysis,laser technology can effectively reduce the adsorption energy of hydrogen on catalyst surfaces,accelerating hydrogen desorption and enhancing the electrolysis efficiency.In electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction,laser treatment can adjust the hybrid orbit of metal carbides,promoting nitrogen adsorption and increasing ammonia yields.With laser-controlled core-shell struc-tures and alloy strategies,hydrogen production sites can be introduced to accelerate the efficiency of electrocatalytic nitric acid reduction.In electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction,laser processing can construct metal oxide series catalytic sites that favor the formation of valuable intermediates like formic acid in the synthesis of fuels and chemicals. Conclusions and Prospects The interactions between laser and matter generate localized light,thermal,pressure,and plasma fields,enabling the construction of micro-nano structures,defect formations,and alloyed structures.These capabilities have revolutionized the development of energy storage and conversion electrode materials.Significant progress has been made in developing high-performance electrode materials tailored for specific energy applications.Future research will focus on the corre-lation between laser technology and material properties.By leveraging the controlled preparation and adjustment advantages of laser technology,specific catalytic structures with high catalytic activity can be designed and synthesized.High-energy lasers,effective monitoring,and a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms are the key areas of focus for future research.Integrating laser continuous synthesis with continuous feeding systems is expected achieve large-scale industrial application of new energy catalytic nanomaterials.Moreover,the development of advanced laser systems with higher precision,shorter pulse durations,and broader tunability will further expand the scope of laser-based nanomaterials synthesis.The combination of machine learning and artificial intelligence with laser processing techniques could optimize synthesis parameters,predict mate-rial properties,and accelerate the discovery of new nanomaterials with exceptional performance.In conclusion,laser-based nanomaterials synthesis holds vast potential in energy conversion,storage,and environmental sustainability.By unraveling the complexities of laser-material interactions and the mechanisms underlying laser-induced synthesis,the field will revolutionize the way we harness and convert energy,paving the way for a cleaner,more sustainable future.