Luminescent Bi@C nanoparticles synthesized by laser ablation in liquids

This work presents the synthesis of bismuth-carbon core-shell nanoparticles (Bi@C NPs) via the one-step laser ablation of solids in liquids (LASL) technique, a method not previously reported for this nanomaterial system. While LASL is established as a fast and environmentally friendly physical method for nanomaterial production, previous synthesis of Bi NPs has lacked the protective carbon-shell structure crucial for inducing photoluminescence and biological stability. Structural and optical characterization via HR-TEM, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the carbon shell and the resulting modifications in optical properties. By integrating the plasmonic properties of bismuth with the biocompatibility of carbon, these novel Bi@C NPs show significant promise as advanced functional materials for photonic and biomedical applications, including photodynamic therapy.